Intraspecific variation in physiological condition of reef-building corals associated with differential levels of chronic disturbance.

ABSTRACT: Even in the absence of major disturbances (e.g., cyclones, bleaching), corals are subject to high levels of partial or whole-colony mortality, often caused by chronic and small-scale disturbances. Depending on levels of background mortality, these chronic disturbances may undermine individual fitness and have significant consequences on the ability of colonies to withstand subsequent acute disturbances or environmental change. This study quantified intraspecific variations in physiological condition (measured based on total lipid content and zooxanthellae density) through time in adult colonies of two common and widespread coral species (Acropora spathulata and Pocillopora damicornis), subject to different levels of biological and physical disturbances along the most disturbed reef habitat

SUBMITTER: Pisapia C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3953432 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature