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Morais J, Cordeiro IL, Medeiros APM, Santos GG, Santos BA. Exploring depth-related patterns of sponge diversity and abundance in marginal reefs. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11643. [PMID: 38957700 PMCID: PMC11219198 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Marine sponges play a vital role in the reef's benthic community; however, understanding how their diversity and abundance vary with depth is a major challenge, especially on marginal reefs in areas deeper than 30 m. To help bridge this gap, we used underwater videos at 24 locations between 2- and 62-meter depths on a marginal reef system in the Southwestern Atlantic to investigate the effect of depth on the sponge metacommunity. Specifically, we quantified the abundance, density, and taxonomic composition of sponge communities, and decomposed their gamma (γ) diversity into alpha (α) and beta (β) components. We also assessed whether beta diversity was driven by species replacement (turnover) or by nesting of local communities (nestedness). We identified 2020 marine sponge individuals, which belong to 36 species and 24 genera. As expected, deep areas (i.e., those greater than 30 m) presented greater sponge abundance and more than eightfold the number of sponges per square meter compared to shallow areas. About 50% of the species that occurred in shallow areas (<30 m) also occurred in deep areas. Contrarily to expectations, alpha diversity of rare (0 D α), typical (1 D α), or dominant (2 D α) species did not vary with depth, but the shallow areas had greater beta diversity than the deep ones, especially for typical (1 D β) and dominant (2 D β) species. Between 92.7% and 95.7% of the beta diversity was given by species turnover both inside and between shallow and deep areas. Our results support previous studies that found greater sponge abundance and density in deep areas and reveal that species sorting is stronger at smaller depths, generating more beta diversity across local communities in shallow than deep areas. Because turnover is the major driver at any depth, the entire depth gradient should be considered in management and conservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliano Morais
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQueenslandAustralia
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Sistemática e EcologiaCidade UniversitáriaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrazil
| | - Igor L. Cordeiro
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Sistemática e EcologiaCidade UniversitáriaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrazil
| | - Aline P. M. Medeiros
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Sistemática e EcologiaCidade UniversitáriaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrazil
| | - George G. Santos
- Instituto de Formação de EducadoresUniversidade Federal Do CaririBrejo SantoCearáBrazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação Em Diversidade Biológica e Recursos Naturais (PPGDR), Centro de Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS), PimentaUniversidade Regional Do Cariri (URCA)CratoCearáBrazil
| | - Bráulio A. Santos
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Departamento de Sistemática e EcologiaCidade UniversitáriaJoão PessoaParaíbaBrazil
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2
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Pankey MS, Gochfeld DJ, Gastaldi M, Macartney KJ, Clayshulte Abraham A, Slattery M, Lesser MP. Phylosymbiosis and metabolomics resolve phenotypically plastic and cryptic sponge species in the genus Agelas across the Caribbean basin. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17321. [PMID: 38529721 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Fundamental to holobiont biology is recognising how variation in microbial composition and function relates to host phenotypic variation. Sponges often exhibit considerable phenotypic plasticity and also harbour dense microbial communities that function to protect and nourish hosts. One of the most prominent sponge genera on Caribbean coral reefs is Agelas. Using a comprehensive set of morphological (growth form, spicule), chemical and molecular data on 13 recognised species of Agelas in the Caribbean basin, we were able to define only five species (=clades) and found that many morphospecies designations were incongruent with phylogenomic and population genetic analyses. Microbial communities were also strongly differentiated between phylogenetic species, showing little evidence of cryptic divergence and relatively low correlation with morphospecies assignment. Metagenomic analyses also showed strong correspondence to phylogenetic species, and to a lesser extent, geographical and morphological characters. Surprisingly, the variation in secondary metabolites produced by sponge holobionts was explained by geography and morphospecies assignment, in addition to phylogenetic species, and covaried significantly with a subset of microbial symbionts. Spicule characteristics were highly plastic, under greater impact from geographical location than phylogeny. Our results suggest that while phenotypic plasticity is rampant in Agelas, morphological differences within phylogenetic species affect functionally important ecological traits, including the composition of the symbiotic microbial communities and metabolomic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Pankey
- Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - D J Gochfeld
- National Center for Natural Products Research and Environmental Toxicology, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - M Gastaldi
- Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Antonio Oeste, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - K J Macartney
- Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - A Clayshulte Abraham
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - M Slattery
- Division of Environmental Toxicology, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, USA
| | - M P Lesser
- Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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3
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Turon M, Ford M, Maldonado M, Sitjà C, Riesgo A, Díez-Vives C. Microbiome changes through the ontogeny of the marine sponge Crambe crambe. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2024; 19:15. [PMID: 38468324 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-024-00556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poriferans (sponges) are highly adaptable organisms that can thrive in diverse marine and freshwater environments due, in part, to their close associations with internal microbial communities. This sponge microbiome can be acquired from the surrounding environment (horizontal acquisition) or obtained from the parents during the reproductive process through a variety of mechanisms (vertical transfer), typically resulting in the presence of symbiotic microbes throughout all stages of sponge development. How and to what extent the different components of the microbiome are transferred to the developmental stages remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the microbiome composition of a common, low-microbial-abundance, Atlantic-Mediterranean sponge, Crambe crambe, throughout its ontogeny, including adult individuals, brooded larvae, lecithotrophic free-swimming larvae, newly settled juveniles still lacking osculum, and juveniles with a functional osculum for filter feeding. RESULTS Using 16S rRNA gene analysis, we detected distinct microbiome compositions in each ontogenetic stage, with variations in composition, relative abundance, and diversity of microbial species. However, a particular dominant symbiont, Candidatus Beroebacter blanensis, previously described as the main symbiont of C. crambe, consistently occurred throughout all stages, an omnipresence that suggests vertical transmission from parents to offspring. This symbiont fluctuated in relative abundance across developmental stages, with pronounced prevalence in lecithotrophic stages. A major shift in microbial composition occurred as new settlers completed osculum formation and acquired filter-feeding capacity. Candidatus Beroebacter blanensis decreased significatively at this point. Microbial diversity peaked in filter-feeding stages, contrasting with the lower diversity of lecithotrophic stages. Furthermore, individual specific transmission patterns were detected, with greater microbial similarity between larvae and their respective parents compared to non-parental conspecifics. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a putative vertical transmission of the dominant symbiont, which could provide some metabolic advantage to non-filtering developmental stages of C. crambe. The increase in microbiome diversity with the onset of filter-feeding stages likely reflects enhanced interaction with environmental microbes, facilitating horizontal transmission. Conversely, lower microbiome diversity in lecithotrophic stages, prior to filter feeding, suggests incomplete symbiont transfer or potential symbiont digestion. This research provides novel information on the dynamics of the microbiome through sponge ontogeny, on the strategies for symbiont acquisition at each ontogenetic stage, and on the potential importance of symbionts during larval development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Turon
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Madeline Ford
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Manuel Maldonado
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), c/Accés a la Cala St. Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Spain
| | - Cèlia Sitjà
- Department of Marine Ecology, Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), c/Accés a la Cala St. Francesc, 14, 17300, Blanes, Spain
| | - Ana Riesgo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (MNCN-CSIC), c/José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
| | - Cristina Díez-Vives
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
- Department of Systems Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, c/Darwin, 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Mauduit M, Greff S, Herbette G, Naubron JV, Chentouf S, Huy Ngo T, Nam JW, Molinari S, Mabrouki F, Garayev E, Baghdikian B, Pérez T, Simmler C. Diving into the Molecular Diversity of Aplysina cavernicola's Exometabolites: Contribution of Bromo-Spiroisoxazoline Alkaloids. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:43068-43083. [PMID: 36467926 PMCID: PMC9713894 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are prolific producers of specialized metabolites with unique structural scaffolds. Their chemical diversity has always inspired natural product chemists working in drug discovery. As part of their metabolic filter-feeding activities, sponges are known to release molecules, possibly including their specialized metabolites. These released "Exo-Metabolites" (EMs) may be considered as new chemical reservoirs that could be collected from the water column while preserving marine biodiversity. The present work aims to determine the proportion and diversity of specialized EMs released by the sponge Aplysina cavernicola (Vacelet 1959). This Mediterranean sponge produces bromo-spiroisoxazoline alkaloids that are widely distributed in the Aplysinidae family. Aquarium experiments were designed to facilitate a continuous concentration of dissolved and diluted metabolites from the seawater around the sponges. Mass Spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics combined with a dereplication pipeline were performed to investigate the proportion and identity of brominated alkaloids released as EMs. Chemometric analysis revealed that brominated features represented 12% of the total sponge's EM features. Consequently, a total of 13 bromotyrosine alkaloids were reproducibly detected as EMs. The most abundant ones were aerothionin, purealidin L, aerophobin 1, and a new structural congener, herein named aplysine 1. Their structural identity was confirmed by NMR analyses following their isolation. MS-based quantification indicated that these major brominated EMs represented up to 1.0 ± 0.3% w/w of the concentrated seawater extract. This analytical workflow and collected results will serve as a stepping stone to characterize the composition of A. cavernicola's EMs and those released by other sponges through in situ experiments, leading to further evaluate the biological properties of such EMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Mauduit
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Endoume Marine Station, Chemin de la batterie des lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Stéphane Greff
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Endoume Marine Station, Chemin de la batterie des lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Gaëtan Herbette
- Aix
Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, FSCM-Spectropole,Service 511, Campus Saint-Jérome, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Valère Naubron
- Aix
Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, FSCM-Spectropole,Service 511, Campus Saint-Jérome, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - Sara Chentouf
- Aix
Marseille Université, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, FSCM-Spectropole,Service 511, Campus Saint-Jérome, 13397 Marseille, France
| | - Trung Huy Ngo
- College
of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541, South Korea
| | - Joo-Won Nam
- College
of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do 38541, South Korea
| | - Sacha Molinari
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Endoume Marine Station, Chemin de la batterie des lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Fathi Mabrouki
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, Cedex 5, France
| | - Elnur Garayev
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, Cedex 5, France
| | - Béatrice Baghdikian
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille, Cedex 5, France
| | - Thierry Pérez
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Endoume Marine Station, Chemin de la batterie des lions, 13007 Marseille, France
| | - Charlotte Simmler
- IMBE,
UMR CNRS 7263, IRD 237, Aix Marseille Université, Avignon Université,
Endoume Marine Station, Chemin de la batterie des lions, 13007 Marseille, France
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5
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Lesser MP, Sabrina Pankey M, Slattery M, Macartney KJ, Gochfeld DJ. Microbiome diversity and metabolic capacity determines the trophic ecology of the holobiont in Caribbean sponges. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:112. [PMID: 37938762 PMCID: PMC9723761 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-022-00196-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are increasingly recognized as an ecologically important taxon on coral reefs, representing significant biomass and biodiversity where sponges have replaced scleractinian corals. Most sponge species can be divided into two symbiotic states based on symbiont community structure and abundance (i.e., the microbiome), and are characterized as high microbial abundance (HMA) or low microbial abundance (LMA) sponges. Across the Caribbean, sponge species of the HMA or LMA symbiotic states differ in metabolic capacity, as well as their trophic ecology. A metagenetic analysis of symbiont 16 S rRNA and metagenomes showed that HMA sponge microbiomes are more functionally diverse than LMA microbiomes, offer greater metabolic functional capacity and redundancy, and encode for the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Stable isotope analyses showed that HMA and LMA sponges primarily consume dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from external autotrophic sources, or live particulate organic matter (POM) in the form of bacterioplankton, respectively, resulting in a low degree of resource competition between these symbiont states. As many coral reefs have undergone phase shifts from coral- to macroalgal-dominated reefs, the role of DOM, and the potential for future declines in POM due to decreased picoplankton productivity, may result in an increased abundance of chemically defended HMA sponges on tropical coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA.
| | - M Sabrina Pankey
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - Marc Slattery
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Keir J Macartney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences, Port Isabel, TX, 78958, USA
| | - Deborah J Gochfeld
- National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
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6
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Vicente J, Timmers MA, Webb MK, Bahr KD, Jury CP, Toonen RJ. Ecological succession of the sponge cryptofauna in Hawaiian reefs add new insights to detritus production by pioneering species. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15093. [PMID: 36064734 PMCID: PMC9445044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Successional theory proposes that fast growing and well dispersed opportunistic species are the first to occupy available space. However, these pioneering species have relatively short life cycles and are eventually outcompeted by species that tend to be longer-lived and have lower dispersal capabilities. Using Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) as standardized habitats, we examine the assembly and stages of ecological succession among sponge species with distinctive life history traits and physiologies found on cryptic coral reef habitats of Kāneʻohe Bay, Hawaiʻi. Sponge recruitment was monitored bimonthly over 2 years on ARMS deployed within a natural coral reef habitat resembling the surrounding climax community and on ARMS placed in unestablished mesocosms receiving unfiltered seawater directly from the natural reef deployment site. Fast growing haplosclerid and calcareous sponges initially recruited to and dominated the mesocosm ARMS. In contrast, only slow growing long-lived species initially recruited to the reef ARMS, suggesting that despite available space, the stage of ecological succession in the surrounding habitat influences sponge community development in uninhabited space. Sponge composition and diversity between early summer and winter months within mesocosm ARMS shifted significantly as the initially recruited short-lived calcareous and haplosclerid species initially recruit and then died off. The particulate organic carbon contribution of dead sponge tissue from this high degree of competition-free community turnover suggests a possible new component to the sponge loop hypothesis which remains to be tested among these pioneering species. This source of detritus could be significant in early community development of young coastal habitats but less so on established coral reefs where the community is dominated by long-lived colonial sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vicente
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA.
| | - Molly A Timmers
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA.,Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, 20036, USA
| | - Maryann K Webb
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Keisha D Bahr
- Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
| | - Christopher P Jury
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Robert J Toonen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
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7
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Butina TV, Petrushin IS, Khanaev IV, Bukin YS. Metagenomic Assessment of DNA Viral Diversity in Freshwater Sponges, Baikalospongia bacillifera. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020480. [PMID: 35208935 PMCID: PMC8876492 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges (type Porifera) are multicellular organisms that give shelter to a variety of microorganisms: fungi, algae, archaea, bacteria, and viruses. The studies concerning the composition of viral communities in sponges have appeared rather recently, and the diversity and role of viruses in sponge holobionts remain largely undisclosed. In this study, we assessed the diversity of DNA viruses in the associated community of the Baikal endemic sponge, Baikalospongia bacillifera, using a metagenomic approach, and compared the virome data from samples of sponges and Baikal water (control sample). Significant differences in terms of taxonomy, putative host range of identified scaffolds, and functional annotation of predicted viral proteins were revealed in viromes of sponge B. bacillifera and the Baikal water. This is the evidence in favor of specificity of viral communities in sponges. The diversity shift of viral communities in a diseased specimen, in comparison with a visually healthy sponge, probably reflects the changes in the composition of microbial communities in affected sponges. We identified many viral genes encoding the proteins with metabolic functions; therefore, viruses in Baikal sponges regulate the number and diversity of their associated community, and also take a part in the vital activity of the holobiont, and this is especially significant in the case of damage (or disease) of these organisms in unfavorable conditions. When comparing the Baikal viromes with similar datasets of marine sponge (Ianthella basta), in addition to significant differences in the taxonomic and functional composition of viral communities, we revealed common scaffolds/virotypes in the cross-assembly of reads, which may indicate the presence of some closely related sponge-specific viruses in marine and freshwater sponges.
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8
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Contact Reactions between Individuals of the Coral-killing sponge, Terpios hoshinota. Zool Stud 2022; 60:e41. [PMID: 35003335 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2021.60-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks of the coral-killing sponge Terpios hoshinota Rützler and Muzik, 1993 have become a threat to corals and result in coral reef deterioration. This species has an increasing distribution in the Indo-Pacific Ocean and thrives in patches on some reefs in Okinawa, Japan. However, the dispersal process and mechanisms involved remain unknown. We observed the self and non-self recognition capabilities of T. hoshinota by performing contact assays in aquarium and in the field. In the contact assays (indirect and direct contact), allogeneic sets did not fuse and showed a rejection reaction as they formed boundaries (approx. 0.2 mm width) between their tissues. Although the initial reaction between individuals involved adhesion in allogeneic sets, the two individuals remained distant from each other. Histological observations showed that soft tissues (such as collagen) were not present in the boundary zones. These boundaries were maintained for more than 2 weeks. Boundary formations were also confirmed at three field sites in Okinawa, Japan. Our results suggest that T. hoshinota can distinguish self and non-self individuals. Contact assays are a useful method for evaluating the spatial distribution and local population structures of T. hoshinota in coral reefs.
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9
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Hill CEL, Lymperaki MM, Hoeksema BW. A centuries-old manmade reef in the Caribbean does not substitute natural reefs in terms of species assemblages and interspecific competition. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112576. [PMID: 34119961 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With increasing maritime activities in the proximity of coral reefs, a growing number of manmade structures are becoming available for coral colonisation. Yet, little is known about the sessile community composition of such artificial reefs in comparison with that of natural coral reefs. Here, we compared the diversity of corals and their competitors for substrate space between a centuries-old manmade structure and the nearest natural reef at St. Eustatius, eastern Caribbean. The artificial reef had a significantly lower species richness and fewer competitive interactions than the natural reef. The artificial reef was dominated by a cover of crustose coralline algae and zoantharians, instead of turf algae and fire corals on the natural reef. Significant differences in species composition were also found between exposed and sheltered sites on both reefs. Our study indicates that even a centuries-old manmade reef cannot serve as a surrogate for natural reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E L Hill
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Myrsini M Lymperaki
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94248, 1090 GE Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bert W Hoeksema
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, the Netherlands; Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, the Netherlands.
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10
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Testing of how and why the Terpios hoshinota sponge kills stony corals. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7661. [PMID: 33828181 PMCID: PMC8027672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
An encrusting sponge, Terpios hoshinota, has the potential to infect all species of stony corals in shallow reefs and killing them. It caused a decline in coral coverage in two south-eastern islands of Taiwan. We proposed two hypotheses to examine how the sponges kill the corals, namely, light blocking and toxins, and tested by in-situ experiments. The results revealed that both light blocking, sponge toxins, and particularly the combination of both factors were effective at inducing tissue damage in stony corals over a short period. Second, to answer why the sponges killed the corals, we tested two hypotheses, namely, gaining nutrients versus gaining substrates for the sponge. By analyzing the stable isotopes 13C and 15N, as well as exploiting an enrichment experiment, it was possible to determine that only approximately 9.5% of the carbon and 16.9% of the nitrogen in the newly grown sponge tissues originated from the enriched corals underneath. The analysis also revealed that the control corals without isotope enrichment had higher δ13C and δ15N than the control sponges, which was an additional indication that T. hoshinota did not rely heavily on corals for nutrients. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that the encrusting sponge did not kill corals for food or nutrients, but rather for the substrate.
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11
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Lester SE, Rassweiler A, McCoy SJ, Dubel AK, Donovan MK, Miller MW, Miller SD, Ruttenberg BI, Samhouri JF, Hay ME. Caribbean reefs of the Anthropocene: Variance in ecosystem metrics indicates bright spots on coral depauperate reefs. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:4785-4799. [PMID: 32691514 PMCID: PMC7497265 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Dramatic coral loss has significantly altered many Caribbean reefs, with potentially important consequences for the ecological functions and ecosystem services provided by reef systems. Many studies examine coral loss and its causes-and often presume a universal decline of ecosystem services with coral loss-rather than evaluating the range of possible outcomes for a diversity of ecosystem functions and services at reefs varying in coral cover. We evaluate 10 key ecosystem metrics, relating to a variety of different reef ecosystem functions and services, on 328 Caribbean reefs varying in coral cover. We focus on the range and variability of these metrics rather than on mean responses. In contrast to a prevailing paradigm, we document high variability for a variety of metrics, and for many the range of outcomes is not related to coral cover. We find numerous "bright spots," where herbivorous fish biomass, density of large fishes, fishery value, and/or fish species richness are high, despite low coral cover. Although it remains critical to protect and restore corals, understanding variability in ecosystem metrics among low-coral reefs can facilitate the maintenance of reefs with sustained functions and services as we work to restore degraded systems. This framework can be applied to other ecosystems in the Anthropocene to better understand variance in ecosystem service outcomes and identify where and why bright spots exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Lester
- Department of GeographyFlorida State UniversityTallahasseeFLUSA
| | - Andrew Rassweiler
- Department of Biological ScienceFlorida State UniversityTallahasseeFLUSA
| | - Sophie J. McCoy
- Department of Biological ScienceFlorida State UniversityTallahasseeFLUSA
| | - Alexandra K. Dubel
- Department of Biological ScienceFlorida State UniversityTallahasseeFLUSA
| | - Mary K. Donovan
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at MānoaKāne'oheHIUSA
- Marine Science InstituteUniversity of CaliforniaSanta BarbaraCAUSA
| | | | - Scott D. Miller
- Department of Biological ScienceFlorida State UniversityTallahasseeFLUSA
| | - Benjamin I. Ruttenberg
- Biological Sciences Department and Center for Coastal Marine SciencesCalifornia Polytechnic State UniversitySan Luis ObispoCAUSA
| | - Jameal F. Samhouri
- Conservation Biology DivisionNorthwest Fisheries Science CenterNational Marine Fisheries ServiceNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSeattleWAUSA
| | - Mark E. Hay
- School of Biological SciencesGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGAUSA
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12
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Bell JJ, McGrath E, Kandler NM, Marlow J, Beepat SS, Bachtiar R, Shaffer MR, Mortimer C, Micaroni V, Mobilia V, Rovellini A, Harris B, Farnham E, Strano F, Carballo JL. Interocean patterns in shallow water sponge assemblage structure and function. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1720-1758. [PMID: 32812691 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are a major component of benthic ecosystems across the world and fulfil a number of important functional roles. However, despite their importance, there have been few attempts to compare sponge assemblage structure and ecological functions across large spatial scales. In this review, we examine commonalities and differences between shallow water (<100 m) sponges at bioregional (15 bioregions) and macroregional (tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, and polar) scales, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of sponge ecology. Patterns of sponge abundance (based on density and area occupied) were highly variable, with an average benthic cover between ~1 and 30%. Sponges were generally found to occupy more space (percentage cover) in the Mediterranean and polar macroregions, compared to temperate and tropical macroregions, although sponge densities (sponges m-2 ) were highest in temperate bioregions. Mean species richness standardised by sampling area was similar across all bioregions, except for a few locations that supported very high small-scale biodiversity concentrations. Encrusting growth forms were generally the dominant sponge morphology, with the exception of the Tropical West Atlantic, where upright forms dominated. Annelids and Arthropods were the most commonly reported macrofauna associated with sponges across bioregions. With respect to reproduction, there were no patterns in gametic development (hermaphroditism versus gonochorism), although temperate, tropical, and polar macroregions had an increasingly higher percentage of viviparous species, respectively, with viviparity being the sole gamete development mechanism reported for polar sponges to date. Seasonal reproductive timing was the most common in all bioregions, but continuous timing was more common in the Mediterranean and tropical bioregions compared to polar and temperate bioregions. We found little variation across bioregions in larval size, and the dominant larval type across the globe was parenchymella. No pattens among bioregions were found in the limited information available for standardised respiration and pumping rates. Many organisms were found to predate sponges, with the abundance of sponge predators being higher in tropical systems. While there is some evidence to support a higher overall proportion of phototrophic species in the Tropical Austalian bioregion compared to the Western Atlantic, both also have large numbers of heterotrophic species. Sponges are important spatial competitors across all bioregions, most commonly being reported to interact with anthozoans and algae. Even though the available information was limited for many bioregions, our analyses demonstrate some differences in sponge traits and functions among bioregions, and among macroregions. However, we also identified similarities in sponge assemblage structure and function at global scales, likely reflecting a combination of regional- and local-scale biological and physical processes affecting sponge assemblages, along with common ancestry. Finally, we used our analyses to highlight geographic bias in past sponge research, and identify gaps in our understanding of sponge ecology globally. By so doing, we identified key areas for future research on sponge ecology. We hope that our study will help sponge researchers to consider bioregion-specific features of sponge assemblages and key sponge-mediated ecological processes from a global perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emily McGrath
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.,Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St E, The Wood, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
| | - Nora M Kandler
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Marlow
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.,British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, U.K
| | - Sandeep S Beepat
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ramadian Bachtiar
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Megan R Shaffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Charlotte Mortimer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Micaroni
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Valeria Mobilia
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alberto Rovellini
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Harris
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Farnham
- Ministry of Primary Industries, PO Box 2526, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Francesca Strano
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - José Luis Carballo
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida Joel Montes Camarena, s/n. apartado postal 811, Mazatlán, 82000, Mexico
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13
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García-Hernández JE, Hammerman NM, Cruz-Motta JJ, Schizas NV. Associated organisms inhabiting the calcareous sponge Clathrina lutea in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. CARIBB J SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v49i2.a12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas M. Hammerman
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Department of Marine Sciences, Marine Genomic Biodiversity Laboratory, PO Box 9000, Mayagüez, PR 00681
| | - Juan J. Cruz-Motta
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Department of Marine Sciences, Marine Genomic Biodiversity Laboratory, PO Box 9000, Mayagüez, PR 00681
| | - Nikolaos V. Schizas
- University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Department of Marine Sciences, Marine Genomic Biodiversity Laboratory, PO Box 9000, Mayagüez, PR 00681
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14
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García-Bonilla E, Brandão PFB, Pérez T, Junca H. Stable and Enriched Cenarchaeum symbiosum and Uncultured Betaproteobacteria HF1 in the Microbiome of the Mediterranean Sponge Haliclona fulva (Demospongiae: Haplosclerida). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2019; 77:25-36. [PMID: 29766224 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-018-1201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sponges harbor characteristic microbiomes derived from symbiotic relationships shaping their lifestyle and survival. Haliclona fulva is encrusting marine sponge species dwelling in coralligenous accretions or semidark caves of the Mediterranean Sea and the near Atlantic Ocean. In this work, we characterized the abundance and core microbial community composition found in specimens of H. fulva by means of electron microscopy and 16S amplicon Illumina sequencing. We provide evidence of its low microbial abundance (LMA) nature. We found that the H. fulva core microbiome is dominated by sequences belonging to the orders Nitrosomonadales and Cenarchaeales. Seventy percent of the reads assigned to these phylotypes grouped in a very small number of high-frequency operational taxonomic units, representing niche-specific species Cenarchaeum symbiosum and uncultured Betaproteobacteria HF1, a new eubacterial ribotype variant found in H. fulva. The microbial composition of H. fulva is quite distinct from those reported in sponge species of the same Haliclona genus. We also detected evidence of an excretion/capturing loop between these abundant microorganisms and planktonic microbes by analyzing shifts in seawater planktonic microbial content exposed to healthy sponge specimens maintained in aquaria. Our results suggest that horizontal transmission is very likely the main mechanism for symbionts' acquisition by H. fulva. So far, this is the first shallow water sponge species harboring such a specific and predominant assemblage composed of these eubacterial and archaeal ribotypes. Our data suggests that this symbiotic relationship is very stable over time, indicating that the identified core microbial symbionts may play key roles in the holobiont functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika García-Bonilla
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution, Div Ecogenomics & Holobionts, Microbiomas Foundation, LT 11, Chía, 250008, Colombia
| | - Pedro F B Brandão
- Laboratorio de Microbiología Ambiental y Aplicada, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Avenida Carrera 30 No. 45-03, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Thierry Pérez
- Station Marine d'Endoume SME - IMBE, Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Ecologie Marine et Continentale, UMR 7263 CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, Avignon Université, Rue Batterie des Lions, 13007, Marseille, France
| | - Howard Junca
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution, Div Ecogenomics & Holobionts, Microbiomas Foundation, LT 11, Chía, 250008, Colombia.
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15
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Reimer JD, Wee HB, García-Hernández JE, Hoeksema BW. Zoantharia (Anthozoa: Hexacorallia) abundance and associations with Porifera and Hydrozoa across a depth gradient on the west coast of Curaçao. SYST BIODIVERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2018.1518936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James Davis Reimer
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Lab, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
- Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Hin Boo Wee
- Molecular Invertebrate Systematics and Ecology Lab, Faculty of Science, University of the Ryukyus, 1 Senbaru, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Jaaziel E. García-Hernández
- Marine Genomic Biodiversity Laboratory, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, La Parguera 00667, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Bert W. Hoeksema
- Taxonomy and Systematics Group, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Lawes JC, Clark GF, Johnston EL. Disentangling settlement responses to nutrient-rich contaminants: Elevated nutrients impact marine invertebrate recruitment via water-borne and substrate-bound cues. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 645:984-992. [PMID: 30248885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic contaminants, including nutrient enrichment, frequently alter environmental conditions in marine systems and affect the development of communities on hard-substrata. Biofilms can influence the settlement of marine invertebrates and hence impact on the structure of fouling communities. Few studies have examined bacteria, invertebrates and nutrient-rich contaminants in concert, with none yet to examine the effects of nutrient-rich contaminants on both biofilms and the recruitment of sessile invertebrate communities in-situ to ascertain the mechanistic basis behind observed impacts. Biofilm treatments were allowed to develop under manipulated environmental conditions of either ambient or enriched nutrient levels. Enrichment conditions were elevated via slow-release fertiliser and invertebrate recruitment was prevented during initial biofilm development. Biofilm treatments (including a no film control) were then subject to either ambient or enriched water-borne nutrients (in a fully-factorial design) during a period of invertebrate colonisation in the field. Effects of nutrient-rich contaminants on invertebrate recruitment were observed as changes to community composition and the abundances of taxonomic groups. Communities on no biofilm control treatments differed from those with pre-developed biofilms. Naturally developed biofilms promoted recruitment by all organisms, except barnacles, which preferred nutrient-enriched biofilms. Water-borne nutrients increased the recruitment of ascidians and barnacles, but suppressed bryozoan, serpulid polychaete and sponge recruitment. The direct and indirect impacts observed on biofilm and invertebrate communities suggest that increasing nutrient levels via nutrient-rich contaminants will result in structural community shifts that may ultimately impact ecosystem functioning within estuaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin C Lawes
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Graeme F Clark
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Emma L Johnston
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, New South Wales, Australia.
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17
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Kiran GS, Sekar S, Ramasamy P, Thinesh T, Hassan S, Lipton AN, Ninawe AS, Selvin J. Marine sponge microbial association: Towards disclosing unique symbiotic interactions. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 140:169-179. [PMID: 29935729 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are sessile benthic filter-feeding animals, which harbor numerous microorganisms. The enormous diversity and abundance of sponge associated bacteria envisages sponges as hot spots of microbial diversity and dynamics. Many theories were proposed on the ecological implications and mechanism of sponge-microbial association, among these, the biosynthesis of sponge derived bioactive molecules by the symbiotic bacteria is now well-indicated. This phenomenon however, is not exhibited by all marine sponges. Based on the available reports, it has been well established that the sponge associated microbial assemblages keep on changing continuously in response to environmental pressure and/or acquisition of microbes from surrounding seawater or associated macroorganisms. In this review, we have discussed nutritional association of sponges with its symbionts, interaction of sponges with other eukaryotic organisms, dynamics of sponge microbiome and sponge-specific microbial symbionts, sponge-coral association etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Seghal Kiran
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Sivasankari Sekar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Pasiyappazham Ramasamy
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | | | - Saqib Hassan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Anuj Nishanth Lipton
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - A S Ninawe
- Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Joseph Selvin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, 605014, India.
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18
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Calcinai B, Bastari A, Bavestrello G, Bertolino M, Horcajadas SB, Pansini M, Makapedua DM, Cerrano C. Demosponge diversity from North Sulawesi, with the description of six new species. Zookeys 2017:105-150. [PMID: 28769718 PMCID: PMC5523382 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.680.12135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sponges are key components of the benthic assemblages and play an important functional role in many ecosystems, especially in coral reefs. The Indonesian coral reefs, located within the so-called “coral triangle”, are among the richest in the world. However, the knowledge of the diversity of sponges and several other marine taxa is far from being complete in the area. In spite of this great biodiversity, most of the information on Indonesian sponges is scattered in old and fragmented literature and comprehensive data about their diversity are still lacking. In this paper, we report the presence of 94 species recorded during different research campaigns mainly from the Marine Park of Bunaken, North Sulawesi. Six species are new for science and seven represent new records for the area. Several others are very poorly known species, sometimes recorded for the second time after their description. For most species, besides field data and detailed descriptions, pictures in vivo are included. Moreover, two new symbiotic sponge associations are described. This work aims to increase the basic knowledge of Indonesian sponge diversity as a prerequisite for monitoring and conservation of this valuable taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Calcinai
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, UO Conisma, Italy
| | - Azzurra Bastari
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, UO Conisma, Italy
| | - Giorgio Bavestrello
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132, Genova, UO Conisma, Italy
| | - Marco Bertolino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132, Genova, UO Conisma, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Pansini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, dell'Ambiente e della Vita, Università degli Studi di Genova, Corso Europa, 26, 16132, Genova, UO Conisma, Italy
| | - Daisy M Makapedua
- University of Sam Ratulangi, Jl. Kampus Unsrat 95115, Manado, Indonesia
| | - Carlo Cerrano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, UO Conisma, Italy
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19
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Moitinho-Silva L, Díez-Vives C, Batani G, Esteves AIS, Jahn MT, Thomas T. Integrated metabolism in sponge-microbe symbiosis revealed by genome-centered metatranscriptomics. THE ISME JOURNAL 2017; 11:1651-1666. [PMID: 28338677 PMCID: PMC5520145 DOI: 10.1038/ismej.2017.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite an increased understanding of functions in sponge microbiomes, the interactions among the symbionts and between symbionts and host are not well characterized. Here we reconstructed the metabolic interactions within the sponge Cymbastela concentrica microbiome in the context of functional features of symbiotic diatoms and the host. Three genome bins (CcPhy, CcNi and CcThau) were recovered from metagenomic data of C. concentrica, belonging to the proteobacterial family Phyllobacteriaceae, the Nitrospira genus and the thaumarchaeal order Nitrosopumilales. Gene expression was estimated by mapping C. concentrica metatranscriptomic reads. Our analyses indicated that CcPhy is heterotrophic, while CcNi and CcThau are chemolithoautotrophs. CcPhy expressed many transporters for the acquisition of dissolved organic compounds, likely available through the sponge's filtration activity and symbiotic carbon fixation. Coupled nitrification by CcThau and CcNi was reconstructed, supported by the observed close proximity of the cells in fluorescence in situ hybridization. CcPhy facultative anaerobic respiration and assimilation by diatoms may consume the resulting nitrate. Transcriptional analysis of diatom and sponge functions indicated that these organisms are likely sources of organic compounds, for example, creatine/creatinine and dissolved organic carbon, for other members of the symbiosis. Our results suggest that organic nitrogen compounds, for example, creatine, creatinine, urea and cyanate, fuel the nitrogen cycle within the sponge. This study provides an unprecedented view of the metabolic interactions within sponge-microbe symbiosis, bridging the gap between cell- and community-level knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Moitinho-Silva
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cristina Díez-Vives
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Giampiero Batani
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ana IS Esteves
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin T Jahn
- Marine Microbiology, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, Kiel, Germany
| | - Torsten Thomas
- Centre for Marine Bio-Innovation and School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Wulff J. Bottom‐up and top‐down controls on coral reef sponges: disentangling within‐habitat and between‐habitat processes. Ecology 2017; 98:1130-1139. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.1754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janie Wulff
- Department of Biological Science Florida State University Tallahassee Florida 32306‐4295 USA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Balboa Republic of Panama
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21
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Pérez T, Díaz MC, Ruiz C, Cóndor-Luján B, Klautau M, Hajdu E, Lobo-Hajdu G, Zea S, Pomponi SA, Thacker RW, Carteron S, Tollu G, Pouget-Cuvelier A, Thélamon P, Marechal JP, Thomas OP, Ereskovsky AV, Vacelet J, Boury-Esnault N. How a collaborative integrated taxonomic effort has trained new spongiologists and improved knowledge of Martinique Island (French Antilles, eastern Caribbean Sea) marine biodiversity. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173859. [PMID: 28329020 PMCID: PMC5362083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although sponges are important components of benthic ecosystems of the Caribbean Sea, their diversity remained poorly investigated in the Lesser Antilles. By organizing a training course in Martinique, we wanted both to promote taxonomy and to provide a first inventory of the sponge diversity on this island. The course was like a naturalist expedition, with a field laboratory and a classroom nearby. Early-career scientists and environmental managers were trained in sponge taxonomy. We gathered unpublished data and conducted an inventory at 13 coastal sites. We explored only shallow water habitats (0–30 m), such as mangroves, reefs or rocky bottoms and underwater caves. According to this study, the sponge fauna of Martinique is currently represented by a minimum of 191 species, 134 of which we could assign species names. One third of the remaining non-identified sponge species we consider to be new to science. Martinique appears very remarkable because of its littoral marine fauna harboring sponge aggregations with high biomass and species diversity dominating over coral species. In mangroves, sponges cover about 10% of the surface of subtidal roots. Several submarine caves are true reservoirs of hidden and insufficiently described sponge diversity. Thanks to this new collaborative effort, the Eastern Caribbean has gained a significant increase of knowledge, with sponge diversity of this area potentially representing 40% of the total in the Caribbean Sea. We thus demonstrated the importance of developing exploratory and educational research in areas historically devoid of biodiversity inventories and systematics studies. Finally, we believe in the necessity to consider not only the number of species but their distribution in space to evaluate their putative contribution to ecosystem services and our willingness to preserve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Pérez
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale, CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Avignon Univ. Station Marine d’Endoume, chemin de la Batterie des Lions, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria-Cristina Díaz
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - César Ruiz
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale, CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Avignon Univ. Station Marine d’Endoume, chemin de la Batterie des Lions, Marseille, France
| | - Baslavi Cóndor-Luján
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Michelle Klautau
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Hajdu
- Museu Nacional, Departamento de Invertebrados, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Quinta da Boa Vista, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisele Lobo-Hajdu
- Departamento de Genetica, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sven Zea
- Instituto de Estudios en Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Caribe, c/o INVEMAR. Calle 25 2-55, Rodadero Sur, Playa Salguero, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Shirley A. Pomponi
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Thacker
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, 650 Life Sciences Building, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Sophie Carteron
- OTEIS. Les Hauts de la Duranne, 370 rue René Descartes, Aix-en-Provence Cedex, France
| | - Guillaume Tollu
- IMPACT MER. 90, rue du Professeur Raymond Garcin, Route de Didier, Fort-de-France, France
| | | | - Philippe Thélamon
- Abyss Plongée. 1 rue des cototiers, Grande Anse, Anses d’Arlet, France
| | | | - Olivier P. Thomas
- Marine Biodiscovery, National University of Ireland Galway, School of chemistry, College of Science, Galway, Ireland
| | - Alexander V. Ereskovsky
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale, CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Avignon Univ. Station Marine d’Endoume, chemin de la Batterie des Lions, Marseille, France
- Faculty of Biology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 7/9 Universitetskaya emb., St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Jean Vacelet
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale, CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Avignon Univ. Station Marine d’Endoume, chemin de la Batterie des Lions, Marseille, France
| | - Nicole Boury-Esnault
- Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d’Ecologie marine et continentale, CNRS, Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, Avignon Univ. Station Marine d’Endoume, chemin de la Batterie des Lions, Marseille, France
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22
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Quirós-Rodríguez JA, Medrano-Mangones WJ, Santafé-Patiño GG. Esponjas (Porifera: Demospongiae) de raíces sumergidas de Rhizophora mangle en la bahía de Cispatá, Córdoba, Caribe colombiano. REV MEX BIODIVERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmb.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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23
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Botting JP, Muir LA, Zhang Y, Ma X, Ma J, Wang L, Zhang J, Song Y, Fang X. Flourishing Sponge-Based Ecosystems after the End-Ordovician Mass Extinction. Curr Biol 2017; 27:556-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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24
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Brown RR, Davis CS, Leys SP. Clones or clans: the genetic structure of a deep-sea sponge,Aphrocallistes vastus,in unique sponge reefs of British Columbia, Canada. Mol Ecol 2017; 26:1045-1059. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel R. Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; CW 422 Biological Sciences Building Edmonton Alberta Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Corey S. Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; CW 422 Biological Sciences Building Edmonton Alberta Canada T6G 2E9
| | - Sally P. Leys
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; CW 422 Biological Sciences Building Edmonton Alberta Canada T6G 2E9
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25
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Morrow KM, Fiore CL, Lesser MP. Environmental drivers of microbial community shifts in the giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta, over a shallow to mesophotic depth gradient. Environ Microbiol 2016; 18:2025-38. [PMID: 26769079 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The giant barrel sponge, Xestospongia muta, is a high microbial abundance sponge found on Caribbean coral reefs along shallow to mesophotic depth gradients where multiple abiotic factors change with depth. Sponges were collected along a depth gradient at Little Cayman (LC) and Lee Stocking Island (LSI), and the microbiome of these samples was analysed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Statistically significant shifts in community structure and dissimilarity (∼ 40%) were detected from 10 to 90 m in LC sponges, but a similar shift was not identified in sponges from 10 to 60 m at LSI (only 17% dissimilar). Additionally, inorganic nutrient levels steadily increased with depth at LSI but not at LC. Based on bulk stable isotopic variability, sponges collected from LC were generally more enriched in (15) N and less enriched in (13) C as depth increased, suggesting a transition from dependency on photoautotrophy to heterotrophy as depth increased. Patterns of stable isotopic enrichment were largely invariant at LSI, which is also reflected in the more stable microbial community along the depth gradient. It appears that environmental factors that change with depth may contribute to differences in X. muta microbial assemblages, demonstrating the importance of contemporaneous environmental sampling in studies of the microbiome of sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Morrow
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - Cara L Fiore
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - Michael P Lesser
- School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
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26
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Wulff J. Sponge Contributions to the Geology and Biology of Reefs: Past, Present, and Future. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7567-0_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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27
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Bell JJ, McGrath E, Biggerstaff A, Bates T, Cárdenas CA, Bennett H. Global conservation status of sponges. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:42-53. [PMID: 25599574 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Sponges are important for maintaining ecosystem function and integrity of marine and freshwater benthic communities worldwide. Despite this, there has been no assessment of their current global conservation status. We assessed their status, accounting for the distribution of research effort; patterns of temporal variation in sponge populations and assemblages; the number of sponges on threatened species lists; and the impact of environmental pressures. Sponge research effort has been variable; marine sponges in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean and freshwater sponges in Europe and North America have received the most attention. Although sponge abundance has increased in some locations since 1990, these were typically on coral reefs, in response to declines in other benthic organisms, and restricted to a few species. Few data were available on temporal trends in freshwater sponge abundance. Despite over 8500 described sponge species, only 20 are on threatened species lists, and all are marine species from the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. Of the 202 studies identified, the effects of temperature, suspended sediment, substratum loss, and microbial pathogens have been studied the most intensively for marine sponges, although responses appear to be variable. There were 20 studies examining environmental impacts on freshwater sponges, and most of these were on temperature and heavy metal contamination. We found that most sponges do not appear to be threatened globally. However, little information is available for most species and more data are needed on the impacts of anthropogenic-related pressures. This is a critical information gap in understanding sponge conservation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
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28
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Powell A, Smith DJ, Hepburn LJ, Jones T, Berman J, Jompa J, Bell JJ. Reduced diversity and high sponge abundance on a sedimented Indo-Pacific reef system: implications for future changes in environmental quality. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85253. [PMID: 24475041 PMCID: PMC3901660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although coral reef health across the globe is declining as a result of anthropogenic impacts, relatively little is known of how environmental variability influences reef organisms other than corals and fish. Sponges are an important component of coral reef fauna that perform many important functional roles and changes in their abundance and diversity as a result of environmental change has the potential to affect overall reef ecosystem functioning. In this study, we examined patterns of sponge biodiversity and abundance across a range of environments to assess the potential key drivers of differences in benthic community structure. We found that sponge assemblages were significantly different across the study sites, but were dominated by one species Lamellodysidea herbacea (42% of all sponges patches recorded) and that the differential rate of sediment deposition was the most important variable driving differences in abundance patterns. Lamellodysidea herbacea abundance was positively associated with sedimentation rates, while total sponge abundance excluding Lamellodysidea herbacea was negatively associated with rates of sedimentation. Overall variation in sponge assemblage composition was correlated with a number of variables although each variable explained only a small amount of the overall variation. Although sponge abundance remained similar across environments, diversity was negatively affected by sedimentation, with the most sedimented sites being dominated by a single sponge species. Our study shows how some sponge species are able to tolerate high levels of sediment and that any transition of coral reefs to more sedimented states may result in a shift to a low diversity sponge dominated system, which is likely to have subsequent effects on ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Powell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - David J. Smith
- Coral Reef Research Unit, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne J. Hepburn
- Coral Reef Research Unit, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jade Berman
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jamaluddin Jompa
- Research and Development Center on Marine, Coastal and Small Islands, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - James J. Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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29
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Lesser MP, Slattery M. Ecology of Caribbean sponges: are top-down or bottom-up processes more important? PLoS One 2013; 8:e79799. [PMID: 24244563 PMCID: PMC3823584 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Benthic-pelagic coupling and the role of bottom-up versus top-down processes are recognized as having a major impact on the structure of marine communities. While the roles of bottom-up processes are better appreciated they are still viewed as principally affecting the outcome of top-down processes. Sponges on coral reefs are important members of the benthic community and provide a critically important functional linkage between water-column productivity and the benthos. As active suspension feeders sponges utilize the abundant autotrophic and heterotrophic picoplankton in the water column. As a result sponges across the Caribbean basin exhibit a consistent and significant pattern of greater biomass, tube extension rate, and species numbers with increasing depth. Likewise, the abundance of their food supply also increases along a depth gradient. Using experimental manipulations it has recently been reported that predation is the primary determinant of sponge community structure. Here we provide data showing that the size and growth of the sponge Callyspongia vaginalis are significantly affected by food availability. Sponges increased in size and tube extension rate with increasing depth down to 46 m, while simultaneously exposed to the full range of potential spongivores at all depths. Additionally, we point out important flaws in the experimental design used to demonstrate the role of predation and suggest that a resolution of this important question will require well-controlled, multi-factorial experiments to examine the independent and interactive effects of predation and food abundance on the ecology of sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Lesser
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Marc Slattery
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi, United States of America
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30
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Bell JJ, Davy SK, Jones T, Taylor MW, Webster NS. Could some coral reefs become sponge reefs as our climate changes? GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2013; 19:2613-24. [PMID: 23553821 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs across the world have been seriously degraded and have a bleak future in response to predicted global warming and ocean acidification (OA). However, this is not the first time that biocalcifying organisms, including corals, have faced the threat of extinction. The end-Triassic mass extinction (200 million years ago) was the most severe biotic crisis experienced by modern marine invertebrates, which selected against biocalcifiers; this was followed by the proliferation of another invertebrate group, sponges. The duration of this sponge-dominated period far surpasses that of alternative stable-ecosystem or phase-shift states reported on modern day coral reefs and, as such, a shift to sponge-dominated reefs warrants serious consideration as one future trajectory of coral reefs. We hypothesise that some coral reefs of today may become sponge reefs in the future, as sponges and corals respond differently to changing ocean chemistry and environmental conditions. To support this hypothesis, we discuss: (i) the presence of sponge reefs in the geological record; (ii) reported shifts from coral- to sponge-dominated systems; and (iii) direct and indirect responses of the sponge holobiont and its constituent parts (host and symbionts) to changes in temperature and pH. Based on this evidence, we propose that sponges may be one group to benefit from projected climate change and ocean acidification scenarios, and that increased sponge abundance represents a possible future trajectory for some coral reefs, which would have important implications for overall reef functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Bell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
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31
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Thacker RW, Hill AL, Hill MS, Redmond NE, Collins AG, Morrow CC, Spicer L, Carmack CA, Zappe ME, Pohlmann D, Hall C, Diaz MC, Bangalore PV. Nearly complete 28S rRNA gene sequences confirm new hypotheses of sponge evolution. Integr Comp Biol 2013; 53:373-87. [PMID: 23748742 DOI: 10.1093/icb/ict071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly collaborative research sponsored by the NSF-funded Assembling the Porifera Tree of Life (PorToL) project is providing insights into some of the most difficult questions in metazoan systematics. Our understanding of phylogenetic relationships within the phylum Porifera has changed considerably with increased taxon sampling and data from additional molecular markers. PorToL researchers have falsified earlier phylogenetic hypotheses, discovered novel phylogenetic alliances, found phylogenetic homes for enigmatic taxa, and provided a more precise understanding of the evolution of skeletal features, secondary metabolites, body organization, and symbioses. Some of these exciting new discoveries are shared in the papers that form this issue of Integrative and Comparative Biology. Our analyses of over 300 nearly complete 28S ribosomal subunit gene sequences provide specific case studies that illustrate how our dataset confirms new hypotheses of sponge evolution. We recovered monophyletic clades for all 4 classes of sponges, as well as the 4 major clades of Demospongiae (Keratosa, Myxospongiae, Haploscleromorpha, and Heteroscleromorpha), but our phylogeny differs in several aspects from traditional classifications. In most major clades of sponges, families within orders appear to be paraphyletic. Although additional sampling of genes and taxa are needed to establish whether this pattern results from a lack of phylogenetic resolution or from a paraphyletic classification system, many of our results are congruent with those obtained from 18S ribosomal subunit gene sequences and complete mitochondrial genomes. These data provide further support for a revision of the traditional classification of sponges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Thacker
- *Department of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-1170, USA; Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA; National Systematics Laboratory of NOAA's Fisheries Service, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA; School of Biological Sciences, MBC, 97 Lisburn Road, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Museo Marino de Margarita, Boulevard de Boca Del Rio, Boca del Rio, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela; **Department of Computer and Information Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-1170, USA
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Biggs BC. Harnessing natural recovery processes to improve restoration outcomes: an experimental assessment of sponge-mediated coral reef restoration. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64945. [PMID: 23750219 PMCID: PMC3672152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Restoration is increasingly implemented to reestablish habitat structure and function following physical anthropogenic disturbance, but scientific knowledge of effectiveness of methods lags behind demand for guidelines. On coral reefs, recovery is largely dependent on coral reestablishment, and substratum stability is critical to the survival of coral fragments and recruits. Concrete is often used to immobilize rubble, but its ecological performance has not been rigorously evaluated, and restoration has generally fallen short of returning degraded habitat to pre-disturbance conditions. Fragments of erect branching sponges mediate reef recovery by facilitating rubble consolidation, yet such natural processes have been largely overlooked in restoring reefs. Methods On two reefs in Curacao, four treatments - coral rubble alone, rubble seeded with sponge fragments, rubble bound by concrete, and concrete “rubble” bound by concrete - were monitored over four years to investigate rubble consolidation with and without sponges and the ecological performance of treatments in terms of the number and diversity of coral recruits. Species specific rates of sponge fragment attachment to rubble, donor sponge growth and tissue replacement, and fragment survival inside rubble piles were also investigated to evaluate sponge species performance and determine rates for sustainably harvesting tissue. Findings/Significance Rubble piles seeded with sponges retained height and shape to a significantly greater degree, lost fewer replicates to water motion, and were significantly more likely to be consolidated over time than rubble alone. Significantly more corals recruited to sponge-seeded rubble than to all other treatments. Coral diversity was also greatest for rubble with sponges and it was the only treatment to which framework building corals recruited. Differences in overall sponge species performance suggest species selection is important to consider. Employing organisms that jump start successional pathways and facilitate recovery can significantly improve restoration outcomes; however, best practices require techniques be tailored to each system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan C Biggs
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA.
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Berman J, Burton M, Gibbs R, Lock K, Newman P, Jones J, Bell J. Testing the suitability of a morphological monitoring approach for identifying temporal variability in a temperate sponge assemblage. J Nat Conserv 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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