Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Seasonal recruitment and survival strategies of Palisada cervicornis comb. nov (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in coral reefs

Full text
Author(s):
Collado-Vides, Ligia [1, 2] ; Duran, Alain [1] ; Armenis, Elizabeth [1] ; Cassano, Valeria [3] ; Burkepile, Deron [4, 5] ; Shantz, Andrew A. [4, 5] ; Palma, Laura [1] ; Diaz-Larrea, Jhoana [6] ; Senties, Abel [6] ; Fujii, Mutue Toyota [7]
Total Authors: 10
Affiliation:
[1] Florida Int Univ, Dept Biol Sci, Miami, FL 33199 - USA
[2] Florida Int Univ, Southeast Environm Res Ctr, Miami, FL 33199 - USA
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Univ Calif Santa Barbara, Dept Ecol Evolut & Marine Biol, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 - USA
[5] Univ Calif Santa Barbara, Inst Marine Sci, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 - USA
[6] Univ Autonoma Metropolitana Iztapalapa, Dept Hidrobiol, Apdo Postal 55-535, Mexico City 09340, DF - Mexico
[7] Inst Bot, Nucl Pesquisa Ficol, Av Miguel Estefano 3687, BR-36870430 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY; v. 53, n. 5, p. 1087-1096, OCT 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

As marine tropical ecosystems deteriorate and lose biodiversity, their communities are shifting to being dominated by a few species, altering ecosystem's functioning and services. Macroalgae are becoming dominant on coral reefs, and are frequently observed outcompeting corals. Turf algal assemblages are the base of energy flow in these systems and one of the most abundant types of macroalgae on coral reefs, but little is known about their biology and diversity. Through molecular and morphological analyses, we identified the turf-forming species Laurencia cervicornis, and by studying seasonal recruitment and the impact of herbivorous fishes on its abundance, we describe its survival strategy. The molecular analyses used a total of 45 rbcL gene sequences including eight current genera within the Laurencia complex and two new sequences of L.cervicornis and strongly support the new combination of Palisada cervicornis comb. nov. In addition, a detailed morphological characterization including the description of reproductive structures is provided. Palisadacervicornis was seen recruiting in all seasons but was typically in low abundance. Specimens grown on tiles in fish exclosure cages were devoured in less than 4h when offered to fishes. Even though many species of the Laurencia complex have chemicals that deter herbivory, species within the genus Palisada lack feeding deterrents and thus are highly palatable. We suggest that P.cervicornis is a palatable species that seems to survive in the community by obtaining a size-refuge from herbivory within turf communities. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/19590-0 - Diversity and phylogeny of the Laurencia complex (Rhodophyta) in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean
Grantee:Valéria Cassano
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International