Deep-sea origin and depth colonization associated with phenotypic innovations in scleractinian corals.

ABSTRACT: The deep sea (>200 m) is home to a surprisingly rich biota, which in some cases compares to that found in shallow areas. Scleractinian corals are an example of this - they are key species in both shallow and deep ecosystems. However, what evolutionary processes resulted in current depth distribution of the marine fauna is a long-standing question. Various conflicting hypotheses have been proposed, but few formal tests have been conducted. Here, we use global spatial distribution data to test the bathymetric origin and colonization trends across the depth gradient in scleractinian corals. Using a phylogenetic approach, we infer the origin and historical trends in directionality and speed of colonization during the diversification in depth. We also examine how the emergence of photo-symbiosi

SUBMITTER: Campoy AN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10656505 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature