Prediction of habitat complexity using a trait-based approach on coral reefs in Guam.

ABSTRACT: Scleractinian corals are primary contributors to the structural complexity of coral reef ecosystems. The structure derived from their carbonate skeletons underpins the biodiversity and myriad of ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. This study used a trait-based approach to provide new insights into the relationships between habitat complexity and coral morphology. Three-Dimensional (3D) photogrammetry techniques were used to survey 208 study plots on the island of Guam, from which structural complexity metrics were derived and physical traits of corals were quantified. Three traits at the individual colony level (e.g., morphology, size, and genera) and two site-level environmental characteristics (e.g., wave exposure and substratum-habitat type) were examined. Standard taxonomy-base

SUBMITTER: Ferreira SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10329656 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature