| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
The geochemical and biological study of corals
|
| |
|
|
Nutritional musings on coral evolution
Monday 7th @ 1130-1150, Conference Room 4
David M. Baker* , The University of Hong Kong
The Swire Institute of Marine Science
Presenter Email: dmbaker@hku.hk |
| Since the 1970s it's been debated that coral colony and polyp morphology are related to corals trophic position. Larger polyps and massive skeletons are considered traits common to heterotrophic corals, whereas small polyps and branching morphologies are attributed to autotrophy. Moreover, heterotrophic corals appear more resilient in the face of climate change with observations of bleaching resistance attributed to provisioning via heterotrophy. In this talk, I will argue that morphology and nutrition share a common phylogenetic history, and that polyp and skeletal surface area:volume are optimized for autotrophy in fast-growing and highly competitive species. Yet, times are changing. The oceans are warmer and more eutrophic than ever before. In this Anthropocene, autotrophic corals are succumbing to starvation and disease as their over-investment in autotrophy becomes their Achilles heel? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|