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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The role of competition in the phase shift to dominance of the zoanthid Palythoa cf. variabilis on coral reefs

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Author(s):
Silva Cruz, Igor Cristino [1, 2, 3, 4] ; Meira, Verena Henschen [2] ; Papa de Kikuchi, Ruy Kenji [2] ; Creed, Joel Christopher [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estado Rio De Janeiro, Inst Biol Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Dept Ecol, Lab Ecol Marinha Bent, PHLC Sala 220, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier 524, BR-20559900 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Bahia, Inst Geociencias, Lab Recifes Corais & Mudancas Globais, Rua Barao de Geremoabo S-N, BR-40170115 Salvador, BA - Brazil
[3] Univ Estado Rio de Janeiro, Programa Posgrad Ecol, Rua Sao Francisco Xavier 524, BR-20559900 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, Lab Manejo Ecol & Conservacao Marinha, Praca Oceanog, 191, Cidade Univ, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH; v. 115, p. 28-35, APR 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

Phase shift phenomena are becoming increasingly common. However, they are also opportunities to better understand how communities are structured. In Southwest Atlantic coral reefs, a shift to the zoanthid Palythoa cf. variabilis dominance has been described. To test if competition drove this process, we carried out a manipulative experiment with three coral species. To estimate the natural frequency of encounters we assess the relationship between the proportion of encounters and this zoanthids coverage. The contact causes necrosis in 78% of coral colonies (6.47 +/- SD 7.92 cm(2)) in 118 days. We found a logarithmic relationship between the proportion of these encounters and the cover of P. cf. variabilis, where 5.5% coverage of this zoanthid is enough to put 50% of coral colonies in contact, increasing their partial mortality. We demonstrate that zoanthid coverage increase followed by coral mortality increase will reduce coral cover and that competition drives the phase shift process. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/17815-0 - Technological development of remote sensing to detect phase shifts on coral reefs using optical sensors installed in drone
Grantee:Igor Cristino Silva Cruz
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate