Molecular signatures of host specificity linked to habitat specialization in Exaiptasia sea anemones.

ABSTRACT: Rising ocean temperatures associated with global climate change induce breakdown of the symbiosis between coelenterates and photosynthetic microalgae of the genus Symbiodinium. Association with more thermotolerant partners could contribute to resilience, but the genetic mechanisms controlling specificity of hosts for particular Symbiodinium types are poorly known. Here, we characterize wild populations of a sea anemone laboratory model system for anthozoan symbiosis, from contrasting environments in Caribbean Panama. Patterns of anemone abundance and symbiont diversity were consistent with specialization of holobionts for particular habitats, with Exaiptasia pallida/S. minutum (ITS2 type B1) abundant on vertical substrate in thermally stable, shaded environments

SUBMITTER: Bellis ES 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6010850 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature