Does heterotrophy optimize autotrophy in Mussismilia hispida?

• Grant number: 25/16236-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Oceanography - Biological Oceanography
• Principal Investigator: Miguel Mies
• Grantee: Melissa Rodrigues de Moraes
• Host Institution: Instituto Oceanográfico (IO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/09180-3 - The historical global impacts of climate change on coral reefs: the role of refugia and key oceanographical and functional traits, AP.JP

Abstract

Coral reefs are recognized as the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, yet they are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. Globally, coral species are subjected to multiple environmental stressors that may result in bleaching, with ocean acidification and global warming, both direct consequences of contemporary climate change, being among the most critical. Brazilian reefs, characterized by their unique environmental conditions, exhibit high levels of endemism and comparatively greater resistance to bleaching than reefs in regions such as Indonesia and the Caribbean. Furthermore, trophic plasticity has been associated with enhanced bleaching resistance. In particular, corals that rely less on autotrophic energy provided by their symbionts can supplement their energetic demands through heterotrophic feeding, a strategy that extends survival during bleaching events when photosynthetic performance is compromised. However, there remains a lack in our understanding regarding the influence of heterotrophy on the autotrophic mechanism in endemic Brazilian corals. In this context, the present study aims to investigate whether heterotrophy optimizes the autotrophic mechanism in Brazilian corals of the species Mussismilia hispida. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would suggest a synergistic relationship between autotrophy and heterotrophy in Mussismilia hispida, with important implications for conservation strategies. Such findings could ultimately benefit society, which depends largely on the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. (AU)