Do some corals like it hot?
Global increases in sea temperatures threaten coral reef resilience because thermal stress can cause corals to bleach; that is, to lose their photosynthetic microalgal symbionts. Recent evidence suggests that some corals associate with genotypes of microalgae that resist future thermal stress, however, these genotypes might provide less energy for growth when thermal stresses are curtailed. Coral reef resilience depends on whether phenotypic and genotypic changes in host-symbiont associations can match projected increases in the frequency and severity of thermal stress, as well as on our ability to ameliorate continuing human impacts.
Sotka
Erik E
EE
Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA. sotkae@cofc.edu
Thacker
Robert W
RW