Differential effects of nutrients and consumer pressure on sympatric cryptic coral species (Pocillopora spp.)

Ecology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 106(5)

Опубликована: Май 1, 2025

Abstract Cryptic species (evolutionarily distinct lineages that do not align with morphologically defined species) are being increasingly discovered but poorly integrated into ecological theory. In particular, we still lack a useful understanding of if and how cryptic differ in ways affect community recovery from disturbances responses to anthropogenic stressors, such as the removal consumers pollution nutrients. On coral reefs, nutrient increases growth macroalgae displace corals. Reductions herbivorous fishes reduce suppression macroalgae, while reductions coralivorous predation on An unresolved question is respond differently these impacts, thereby differing their ability influence dynamics maintain dominance. Therefore, assessed response Pocillopora over period three years following simulated disturbance cyclone depended experimental reduction fish consumer pressure addition. After years, five cryptic, genetically distinct, recruited reef. However, recruitment was dominated by two species: tuahiniensis (46%) meandrina (43%). Under ambient conditions, P. similar, experimentally reducing increased up 73% reduced 49%. both species, enrichment colony rates equally, colonies grew faster were 25% larger after than those meandrina, unaffected pressure. Predation excavating corallivorous higher for , especially under enrichment. contrast, polyp extension (an indicator elevated heterotrophic feeding well susceptibility attractiveness corallivores) lower low medium Overall, uncovered differences foundation pervasive stressors reefs. Our results demonstrate key which may contribute diversity can support resilience or increase extinction risk.

Язык: Английский

A genomic approach to Porites (Anthozoa: Scleractinia) megadiversity from the Indo-Pacific

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 203, С. 108238 - 108238

Опубликована: Ноя. 16, 2024

Язык: Английский