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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.)

Physiological and biochemical responses of a coralline alga and a sea urchin to climate change: Implications for herbivory

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Author(s):
Rich, Walter A. [1, 2, 3] ; Schubert, Nadine [2, 4] ; Schlapfer, Nina [2] ; Carvalho, Vanessa F. [1, 2] ; Horta, Antonio C. L. [2] ; Horta, Paulo A. [5, 2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Programa Posgrad Ecol, Florianopolis, SC - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Phycol Lab LaFic, Florianopolis, SC - Brazil
[3] King Abdullah Univ Sci & Technol, Red Sea Res Ctr, Thuwal - Saudi Arabia
[4] Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Ctr Ciencias Fis & Matemat, Programa Posgrad Oceanog, Florianopolis, SC - Brazil
[5] Univ Fed Santa Catarina, Dept Bot, Florianopolis, SC - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH; v. 142, p. 100-107, NOV 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Direct responses to rising temperatures and ocean acidification are increasingly well known for many single species, yet recent reviews have highlighted the need for climate change research to consider a broader range of species, how stressors may interact, and how stressors may affect species interactions. The latter point is important in the context of plant-herbivore interactions, as increasing evidence shows that increasing seawater temperature and/or acidification can alter algal traits that dictate their susceptibility to herbivores, and subsequently, community and ecosystem properties. To better understand how marine rocky shore environments will be affected by a changing ocean, in the present study we investigated the direct effects of short-term, co-occurring increased temperature and ocean acidification on a coralline alga (Jania rubens) and a sea urchin herbivore (Echinometra lucunter) and assessed the indirect effects of these factors on the algal-herbivore interaction. A 21-day mesocosm experiment was conducted with both algae and sea urchins exposed to ambient (24 degrees C, Low CO2), high-temperature (28 degrees C, Low CO2), acidified (24 degrees C, High CO2), or high-temperature plus acidified (28 degrees C, High CO2) conditions. Algal photosynthesis, respiration, and phenolic content were unaffected by increased temperature and CO2, but calcium carbonate content was reduced under high CO2 treatments in both temperatures, while total sugar content of the algae was reduced under acidified, lower temperature conditions. Metabolic rates of the sea urchin were elevated in the lower temperature, high CO2 treatment, and feeding assays showed that consumption rates also increased in this treatment. Despite some changes to algal chemical composition, it appears that at least under short-term exposure to climate change conditions, direct effects on herbivore metabolism dictated herbivory rates, while indirect effects caused by changes in algal palatability seemed to be of minor importance. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/00012-1 - Diversity and phylogeny of the Laurencia complex (Rhodophyta) in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean
Grantee:Valéria Cassano
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants