The widely distributed soft coral Xenia umbellata exhibits high resistance against phosphate enrichment and temperature increase.

ABSTRACT: Both global and local factors affect coral reefs worldwide, sometimes simultaneously. An interplay of these factors can lead to phase shifts from hard coral dominance to algae or other invertebrates, particularly soft corals. However, most studies have targeted the effects of single factors, leaving pronounced knowledge gaps regarding the effects of combined factors on soft corals. Here, we investigated the single and combined effects of phosphate enrichment (1, 2, and 8 μM) and seawater temperature increase (26 to 32 °C) on the soft coral Xenia umbellata by quantifying oxygen fluxes, protein content, and stable isotope signatures in a 5-week laboratory experiment. Findings revealed no significant effects of temperature increase, phosphate enrichment, and the combination of both factors on

SUBMITTER: Mezger SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9780247 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature