Genetics Reveal that Reef Corals and Their Algae Live Together but Evolve Independently (3 of 3) (IMAGE)

Penn State

Genetics Reveal that Reef Corals and Their Algae Live Together but Evolve Independently (3 of 3)

Caption

The ability of corals to thrive in nutrient-poor, tropical waters is due to their intimate relationship with single-celled dinoflagellate algae in the genus Symbiodinium, shown in this microscopic image. The Caribbean elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, cannot survive without its dinoflagellate partner and new research at Penn State University shows that a particular coral colony forms a long-lasting partnership with just one clonal strain of Symbiodinium fitti.

Credit

Todd C. LaJeunesse, Penn State University

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