Scleractinian coral species survive and recover from decalcification
Fine, M.; Tchernov, D. (2007). Scleractinian coral species survive and recover from decalcification. Science (Wash.) 315(5820): 1811
In: Science (Washington). American Association for the Advancement of Science: New York, N.Y. ISSN 0036-8075; e-ISSN 1095-9203, meer
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| Trefwoorden |
Accidents > Collisions
Acidification
Animal products > Coral
Biochemical phenomena > Decalcification
Chemical compounds > Carbon compounds > Atmospheric gases > Carbon dioxide
Survival
Scleractinia [WoRMS]
Marien/Kust |
| Abstract |
Anthropogenic-driven accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and projected ocean acidification have raised concerns regarding the eventual impact on coral reefs. This study demonstrates that skeleton-producing corals grown in acidified experimental conditions are able to sustain basic life functions, including reproductive ability, in a sea anemone-like form and will resume skeleton building when reintroduced to normal modern marine conditions. These results support the existence of physiological refugia, allowing corals to alternate between nonfossilizing soft-body ecophenotypes and fossilizing skeletal forms in response to changes in ocean chemistry. This refugia, however, does not undermine the threats to reef ecosystems in a high carbon dioxide world. |
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