Reef environments shape microbial partners in a highly connected coral population.

ABSTRACT: Evidence is mounting that composition of microorganisms within a host can play an essential role in total holobiont health. In corals, for instance, studies have identified algal and bacterial taxa that can significantly influence coral host function and these communities depend on environmental context. However, few studies have linked host genetics to algal and microbial partners across environments within a single coral population. Here, using 2b-RAD sequencing of corals and metabarcoding of their associated algal (ITS2) and bacterial (16S) communities, we show evidence that reef zones (locales that differ in proximity to shore and other environmental characteristics) structure algal and bacterial communities at different scales in a highly connected coral population (Acropora hyacin

SUBMITTER: Kriefall NG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8767194 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature