Rapid multi-generational acclimation of coralline algal reproductive structures to ocean acidification.

ABSTRACT: The future of coral reef ecosystems is under threat because vital reef-accreting species such as coralline algae are highly susceptible to ocean acidification. Although ocean acidification is known to reduce coralline algal growth rates, its direct effects on the development of coralline algal reproductive structures (conceptacles) is largely unknown. Furthermore, the long-term, multi-generational response of coralline algae to ocean acidification is extremely understudied. Here, we investigate how mean pH, pH variability and the pH regime experienced in their natural habitat affect coralline algal conceptacle abundance and size across six generations of exposure. We show that second-generation coralline algae exposed to ocean acidification treatments had conceptacle abundances 60% lower t

SUBMITTER: Moore B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8113899 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature