The Goldilocks effect: the role of temperature in influencing dinoflagellate growth.

ABSTRACT: Coral reef ecosystems, often referred to as the 'rainforests of the sea,' are vibrant ecosystems formed by millions of living coral polyps. Despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs deliver vital benefits, including shoreline protection, nutrient cycling, fisheries support, and economic benefits through tourism. However, human activities have led to widespread damage to coral reefs and compromised the resilience and health of these critical ecosystems. This educational activity focuses on an important community of benthic microalgae in the dinoflagellate genus Gambierdiscus, which inhabits the surfaces of macroalgae and seaweed in tropical and subtropical coral reef ecosystems. Certain Gambierdiscus species produce neurotoxins called ciguatoxins (CTX), whi

SUBMITTER: Richlen ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12833881 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature