Coral Close Up (IMAGE)
Caption
<i>Diploria labyrinthiformis</i> is a common reef-building coral in the Caribbean. When under stress, these animals may harbor a species of mutualistic microbe, that was recently discovered to be introduced from the Indo-Pacific. The symboint increases the stress tolerance of native corals, but may significantly reduce the animal's rate of calcification, thus diminishing their role as reef builders .
Credit
Robin T. Smith, Science Under Sail; Sung Yeon Lee and Hae Jin Jeong, Seoul National University)
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