Ancient DNA from coral-hosted Symbiodinium reveal a static mutualism over the last 172 years.

ABSTRACT: Ancient DNA (aDNA) provides powerful evidence for detecting the genetic basis for adaptation to environmental change in many taxa. Among the greatest of changes in our biosphere within the last century is rapid anthropogenic ocean warming. This phenomenon threatens corals with extinction, evidenced by the increasing observation of widespread mortality following mass bleaching events. There is some evidence and conjecture that coral-dinoflagellate symbioses change partnerships in response to changing external conditions over ecological and evolutionary timescales. Until now, we have been unable to ascertain the genetic identity of Symbiodinium hosted by corals prior to the rapid global change of the last century. Here, we show that Symbiodinium cells recovered from dry, century old specimen

SUBMITTER: Baker DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3566211 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature