CAREER: Octocoral-Algal Symbioses -- the Future of Caribbean Coral Reefs?

University Of Mississippi, University MS

Investigators

Abstract

In symbiosis a minimum of two organisms co-exist, linked in one entity. Symbioses greatly influence carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling on earth and affect the outcome of competition and succession in ecosystems. In a coral reef, the symbioses between hard corals, soft corals (octocorals), sea anemones and zooxanthellae (algae) create an ecosystem, supporting tremendous diversity. Coral research predominantly focuses on hard corals, while research on octocorals lags behind. With climate change and the decline in hard corals, octocorals may provide a critical role in maintaining diversity of organisms on coral reefs. This research will focus on the symbiosis between Caribbean octocorals and zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium sp.) and will determine how changing environmental parameters may affect octocoral-zooxanthella symbioses. The genetic identity of the zooxanthellae and the physiology of octocoral species and their zooxanthellae will be determined. In addition, the effects of changing environmental parameters such as seawater temperatures, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and increased ocean acidification on the physiology of octocoral-zooxanthella symbioses will be determined. These data are crucial to understanding and predicting the survival of octocorals and of Caribbean coral reefs. Symbiosis in the classroom will be taught using student created interviews of people in their community and responses will be gathered using personal response systems ("clickers"). This approach, termed 'you and symbiosis,' will be taught at the undergraduate level then modified for K-12. Examples of topics include: the legume Kudzu; humans and their gut flora; and West Nile virus. A laboratory course will provide students experience with molecular and physiological techniques applied to research of symbioses. By merging research and innovative teaching techniques to show students and the public the applicability of symbioses to their lives, individuals may develop greater personal interest in coral reef ecosystems.