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Tavakoli-Kolour P, Sinniger F, Morita M, Hazraty-Kari S, Nakamura T, Harii S. Plasticity of shallow reef corals across a depth gradient. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115792. [PMID: 37984089 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Global warming harms coral reefs. Mesophotic coral reef ecosystems (MCEs) have been suggested to serve as refugia for shallow reefs. Information on the adaptation potential of shallow corals at MCEs is a prerequisite for understanding the refuge potential of MCEs. In this study, we investigated the photoacclimation potential of four shallow coral species transplanted at different depths over 1 year. The results showed that the corals-Pocillopora damicornis, Porites cylindrica, and Turbinaria reniformis-survived and acclimated to a wide range of light regimes at the depths of 5, 20, and 40 m. However, Acropora tenuis survived only at 5 and 20 m depth and showed significant morphological alteration at 20 m depth. Our results indicate that shallow corals have substantial plasticity with respect to depth changes. Changes in photosynthetic performance and phenotypic plasticity within these coral species may act as a buffer for depth-related changes and as modulators of evolutionary responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parviz Tavakoli-Kolour
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Frederic Sinniger
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Sanaz Hazraty-Kari
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan; Graduate School of Engineering and Science, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Saki Harii
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
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2
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Tavakoli-Kolour P, Sinniger F, Morita M, Harii S. Acclimation potential of Acropora to mesophotic environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114698. [PMID: 36860026 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems may serve as a refuge for reef-building corals to survive the ongoing climate change. Distribution of coral species changes during larval dispersal. However, the acclimation potential in the early life stages of corals at different depths is unknown. This study investigated the acclimation potential of four shallow Acropora species at different depths via the transplantation of larvae and early polyps settled on tiles to 5, 10, 20, and 40 m depths. We then examined physiological parameters, such as size, survival, growth rate, and morphological characteristics. The survival and size of juveniles of A. tenuis and A. valida at 40 m depth were significantly higher than those at other depths. In contrast, A. digitifera and A. hyacinthus showed higher survival rates at shallow depths. The morphology (i.e., size of the corallites) also varied among the depths. Collectively, the shallow coral larvae and juveniles displayed substantial plasticity at depth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frederic Sinniger
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Saki Harii
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
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3
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Sannassy Pilly S, Richardson LE, Turner JR, Roche RC. Atoll-dependent variation in depth zonation of benthic communities on remote reefs. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 173:105520. [PMID: 34775207 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The distribution and organisation of benthic organisms on tropical reefs are typically heterogenous yet display distinct zonation patterns across depth gradients. However, there are few datasets which inform our understanding of how depth zonation in benthic community composition varies spatially among and within different reef systems. Here, we assess the depth zonation in benthic forereef slope communities in the Central Indian Ocean, prior to the back-to-back bleaching events in 2014-2017. We compare benthic communities between shallow (5-10 m) and deep (20-25 m) sites, at two spatial scales: among and within 4 atolls. Our analyses showed the variation in both major functional groups and hard coral assemblages between depth varied among atolls, and within-atoll comparisons revealed distinct differences between shallow and deep forereef slope communities. Indicator taxa analyses characterising the hard coral community between depths revealed a higher number of coral genera characteristic of the deep forereef slopes (10) than the shallow forereef slopes (6). Only two coral genera consistently associated with both depths across all atolls, and these were Acropora and Porites. Our results reveal spatial variation in depth zonation of benthic communities, potentially driven by biophysical processes varying across depths and atolls, and provide a baseline to understand and measure the impacts of future global climate change on benthic communities across depths.
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4
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The scleractinian Agaricia undata as a new host for the coral-gall crab Opecarcinus hypostegus at Bonaire, southern Caribbean. Symbiosis 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-020-00706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe Caribbean scleractinian reef coral Agaricia undata (Agariciidae) is recorded for the first time as a host of the coral-gall crab Opecarcinus hypostegus (Cryptochiridae). The identity of the crab was confirmed with the help of DNA barcoding. The association has been documented with photographs taken in situ at 25 m depth and in the laboratory. The predominantly mesophotic depth range of the host species suggests this association to be present also at greater depths. With this record, all seven Agaricia species are now listed as gall-crab hosts, together with the agariciid Helioseris cucullata. Within the phylogeny of Agariciidae, Helioseris is not closely related to Agaricia. Therefore, the association between Caribbean agariciids and their gall-crab symbionts may either have originated early in their shared evolutionary history or later as a result of host range expansion. New information on coral-associated fauna, such as what is presented here, leads to a better insight on the diversity, evolution, and ecology of coral reef biota, particularly in the Caribbean, where cryptochirids have rarely been studied.
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5
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Evans RD, Wilson SK, Fisher R, Ryan NM, Babcock R, Blakeway D, Bond T, Dorji P, Dufois F, Fearns P, Lowe RJ, Stoddart J, Thomson DP. Early recovery dynamics of turbid coral reefs after recurring bleaching events. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 268:110666. [PMID: 32510431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The worlds' coral reefs are declining due to the combined effects of natural disturbances and anthropogenic pressures including thermal coral bleaching associated with global climate change. Nearshore corals are receiving increased anthropogenic stress from coastal development and nutrient run-off. Considering forecast increases in global temperatures, greater understanding of drivers of recovery on nearshore coral reefs following widespread bleaching events is required to inform management of local stressors. The west Pilbara coral reefs, with cross-shelf turbidity gradients coupled with a large nearby dredging program and recent history of repeated coral bleaching due to heat stress, represent an opportune location to study recovery from multiple disturbances. Mean coral cover at west Pilbara reefs was monitored from 2009 to 2018 and declined from 45% in 2009 to 5% in 2014 following three heat waves. Recruitment and juvenile abundance of corals were monitored from 2014 to 2018 and were combined with biological and physical data to identify which variables enhanced or hindered early-stage coral recovery of all hard corals and separately for the acroporids, the genera principally responsible for recovery in the short-term (<7 years). From 2014 to 2018, coral cover increased from 5 to 10% but recovery varied widely among sites (0-13%). Hard coral cover typically recovered most at shallower sites that had higher abundance of herbivorous fish, less macroalgae, and lower turbidity. Similarly, acroporid corals recovered most at sites with lower turbidity and macroalgal cover. Juvenile acroporid densities were a good indicator of recovery at least two years after they were recorded. However, recruitment to settlement tiles was not a good predictor of total coral or acroporid recovery. This study shows that coral recovery can be slower in areas of high turbidity and the rate may be reduced by local pressures, such as dredging. Management should focus on improving or maintaining local water quality to increase the likelihood of coral recovery under climate stress. Further, in turbid environments, juvenile coral density predicts early coral recovery better than recruits on tiles and may be a more cost-effective technique for monitoring recovery potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Evans
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, W.A, 6151, Australia; Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Shaun K Wilson
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, W.A, 6151, Australia; Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Rebecca Fisher
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Nicole M Ryan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Russ Babcock
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | | | - Todd Bond
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; School of Biological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Passang Dorji
- Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Francois Dufois
- IFREMER, DYNECO/DHYSED, ZI Pointe du Diable, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Peter Fearns
- Remote Sensing and Satellite Research Group, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Ryan J Lowe
- School of Biological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jim Stoddart
- Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia; MScience Pty Ltd, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Damian P Thomson
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
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6
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Chow GSE, Chan YKS, Jain SS, Huang D. Light limitation selects for depth generalists in urbanised reef coral communities. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 147:101-112. [PMID: 31029435 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Depth range is an important species trait for coral reef organisms, yet it remains to be quantified and analysed adequately among tropical coral species. Filling this knowledge gap is crucial as the depth limits of corals are related to important environmental factors such as light and temperature. Furthermore, the health and survivorship of corals may be threatened due to warming-induced sea-level rise, particularly for colonies living at the deeper limits of species depth ranges. Here we collected benthic and environmental data along the reef profile to characterise the depth ranges of coral species, and analysed species diversity and community structure in relation to possible depth-related biophysical parameters on the sediment-stressed reefs of Singapore. The results reveal clear environmental covariations with depth, expectedly with light availability showing the most marked decline as depth increases. Live coral cover, species richness and diversity are associated positively and significantly with light, which also structures coral communities along the reef profile more strongly than temperature or sediment levels. Relatedly, we detect species-specific depth distributions with two main strategies observed among coral species: shallow specialists and depth generalists. We suggest that corals in Singapore are unlikely to be impacted by light limitation specifically as sea level rises due to the wider depth range of the deeper species. Our data will inform conservation efforts especially in the selection of sites and depths for coral transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn S E Chow
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | - Y K Samuel Chan
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore
| | | | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558, Singapore; Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 119227, Singapore.
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7
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Studivan MS, Milstein G, Voss JD. Montastraea cavernosa corallite structure demonstrates distinct morphotypes across shallow and mesophotic depth zones in the Gulf of Mexico. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0203732. [PMID: 30913227 PMCID: PMC6435134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study assessed morphological variation of the depth-generalist coral Montastraea cavernosa across shallow and mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) using thirteen corallite metrics. While corallite structure differed significantly across sites, we observed that mean corallite diameters were smaller and spacing was greater in mesophotic corals as compared to shallow corals. Additional corallite variation, including greater mean corallite height of mesophotic samples, are hypothesized to be photoadaptive responses to low light environments. Multivariate analyses also revealed two distinct morphotypes identified by significant variation in corallite spacing with >90% accuracy. A 'shallow' morphotype was characterized by larger, more closely-spaced corallites, while a 'depth-generalist' type exhibited smaller, further-spaced corallites. Variable presence of morphotypes within some sites suggests genotypic influence on corallite morphology as there was a slight, but significant, impact of morphotype on genetic structure within shallow zones in the Flower Garden Banks. Patterns of increased algal symbiont (Symbiodiniaceae) density and chlorophyll concentration were retained in the depth-generalist morphotype even in shallow zones, identifying multiple photoadaptive strategies between morphotypes. The results of this study suggest that morphological variation among M. cavernosa represents a combination of genotypic variation and phenotypic plasticity rather than responses to environmental stimuli alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Studivan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gillian Milstein
- Corning School of Ocean Studies, Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, Maine, United States of America
| | - Joshua D. Voss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, Florida, United States of America
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8
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The Role of Maximum Shelf Depth versus Distance from Shore in Explaining a Diversity Gradient of Mushroom Corals (Fungiidae) off Jakarta. DIVERSITY-BASEL 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/d11030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many coral reef systems are shelf-based and consist of reefs that are arranged in rows parallel to the coastline. They usually show an increase in species richness in the offshore direction, coinciding with decreasing terrigenous impact and a deeper seafloor. These two conditions usually concur, which makes it less easy to distinguish how each of them influences coral diversity separately. Since reefs off Jakarta (in the Thousand Islands archipelago) are arranged in an 80 km long string perpendicular to the coastline in south-to-north direction, with a maximum shelf depth halfway along (instead of at the end of) the string, this archipelago is very suitable for studies on inshore–offshore gradients. In the present study, mushroom corals (Fungiidae; n = 31) were used to examine diversity patterns on 38 reef sites along such a gradient, involving species richness over their entire depth range from reef flat to reef base (2–30 m) and separately at shallow depths (2–6 m). Total species diversity was highest in the central part of the archipelago, with unique species occurring in deep habitats. Diversity at shallow depths was only slightly higher here than at reefs located more nearshore and offshore, which both had less clear water. Therefore, shelf depth and distance from the mainland can be considered separate determinants of coral diversity off Jakarta.
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9
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Kahng SE, Akkaynak D, Shlesinger T, Hochberg EJ, Wiedenmann J, Tamir R, Tchernov D. Light, Temperature, Photosynthesis, Heterotrophy, and the Lower Depth Limits of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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10
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Beyond the “Deep Reef Refuge” Hypothesis: A Conceptual Framework to Characterize Persistence at Depth. CORAL REEFS OF THE WORLD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-92735-0_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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11
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Muir PR, Wallace CC, Pichon M, Bongaerts P. High species richness and lineage diversity of reef corals in the mesophotic zone. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20181987. [PMID: 30963905 PMCID: PMC6304044 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs are increasingly threatened by thermal bleaching and tropical storm events associated with rising sea surface temperatures. Deeper habitats offer some protection from these impacts and may safeguard reef-coral biodiversity, but their faunas are largely undescribed for the Indo-Pacific. Here, we show high species richness of scleractinian corals in mesophotic habitats (30-125 m) for the northern Great Barrier Reef region that greatly exceeds previous records for mesophotic habitats globally. Overall, 45% of shallow-reef species (less than or equal to 30 m), 78% of genera, and all families extended below 30 m depth, with 13% of species, 41% of genera, and 78% of families extending below 45 m. Maximum depth of occurrence showed a weak relationship to phylogeny, but a strong correlation with maximum latitudinal extent. Species recorded in the mesophotic had a significantly greater than expected probability of also occurring in shaded microhabitats and at higher latitudes, consistent with light as a common limiting factor. The findings suggest an important role for deeper habitats, particularly depths 30-45 m, in preserving evolutionary lineages of Indo-Pacific corals. Deeper reef areas are clearly more diverse than previously acknowledged and therefore deserve full consideration in our efforts to protect the world's coral reef biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Muir
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Carden C. Wallace
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Michel Pichon
- Queensland Museum, Biodiversity and Geosciences, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Pim Bongaerts
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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12
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Perry CT, Alvarez‐Filip L. Changing geo‐ecological functions of coral reefs in the Anthropocene. Funct Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris T. Perry
- Geography College of Life and Environmental Sciences University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Lorenzo Alvarez‐Filip
- Biodiversity and Reef Conservation Laboratory Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico Puerto Morelos Quintana Roo Mexico
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13
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Soto D, De Palmas S, Ho MJ, Denis V, Chen CA. Spatial variation in the morphological traits of Pocillopora verrucosa along a depth gradient in Taiwan. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202586. [PMID: 30118513 PMCID: PMC6097691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pocillopora verrucosa is a widely distributed depth-generalist coral that presents plasticity in its skeletal macro- and microstructure in response to environmental gradients. Light and water movement, which covary with depth, are the main environmental drivers of morphological plasticity in this genus; however, assessing environmentally-induced plasticity may be confounded by the extent of interspecific variation in Pocillopora. We examine the morphology of 8 typed P. verrucosa specimens collected along a depth gradient ranging from 7 to 45 meters and comprising 3 sites throughout Ludao, Taiwan. We measured 36 morphological characters, 14 which are novel, in 3 regions on the corallum-the apex, branch and base-in order to quantify their relationship to site and depth. We found significant correlation between depth and 19 morphological characters, notably branch verruca area, branch verruca height, base verruca spacing, base spinule length, and branch corallite area. 60% of microstructural characters and 25% of macrostructural characters showed a correlative relation to depth, suggesting that depth acclimatization is manifested primarily at the microstructural level. Canonical discriminant analysis of all morphometric characters by depth supports clustering into 3 groups: an overlapping 7m and 15m group, a 23-30m group, and a 38-45m group. Canonical discriminant analysis by site supports clustering into low- and high-current sites, differentiated primarily by branch septa width, base septa width, pre-terminal branch width, terminal branch maximum length, and terminal branch minimum length. We conclude that distinctive patterns of morphological variation in mesophotic specimens of P. verrucosa could reflect the effects of abiotic parameters such as light and water flow. Elucidating the mechanisms behind the morphological changes that occur in response to environmental gradients can help clarify the role that physiological plasticity plays in the acclimatization of corals to the unique environmental settings of mesophotic coral ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Soto
- Biodiversity Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Stephane De Palmas
- Biodiversity Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming Jay Ho
- Biodiversity Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Green Island Marine Research Station, Academia Sinica, Ludao, Taiwan
| | - Vianney Denis
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chaolun Allen Chen
- Biodiversity Program, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Layton KKS, Gosliner TM, Wilson NG. Flexible colour patterns obscure identification and mimicry in Indo-Pacific Chromodoris nudibranchs (Gastropoda: Chromodorididae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2018; 124:27-36. [PMID: 29476907 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chromodoris is a genus of colourful nudibranchs that feed on sponges and is found across the Indo-Pacific. While this was once the most diverse chromodorid genus, recent work has shown that the genus should be restricted to a monophyletic lineage that contains only 22 species, all of which exhibit black pigmentation and planar spawning behaviour. Earlier phylogenies of this group are poorly resolved and thus additional work is needed to clarify species boundaries within Chromodoris. This study presents a maximum-likelihood phylogeny based on mitochondrial loci (COI, 16S) for 345 Chromodoris specimens, including data from 323 new specimens and 22 from GenBank, from across the Indo-Pacific. Species hypotheses and phylogenetic analysis uncovered 39 taxa in total containing 18 undescribed species, with only five of 39 taxa showing stable colour patterns and distinct morphotypes. This study also presents the first evidence for regional mimicry in this genus, with C. colemani and C. joshi displaying geographically-based variation in colour patterns which appear to match locally abundant congenerics, highlighting the flexibility of these colour patterns in Chromodoris nudibranchs. The current phylogeny contains short branch lengths, polytomies and poor support at interior nodes, which is indicative of a recent radiation. As such, future work will employ a transcriptome-based exon capture approach for resolving the phylogeny of this group. In all, this study included 21 of the 22 described species in the Chromodoris sensu stricto group with broad sampling coverage from across the Indo-Pacific, constituting the most comprehensive sampling of this group to date. This work highlights several cases of undocumented diversity, ultimately expanding our knowledge of species boundaries in this group, while also demonstrating the limitations of colour patterns for species identification in this genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara K S Layton
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Aquatic Zoology & Molecular Systematics Unit, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA 6106, Australia.
| | - Terrence M Gosliner
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology & Geology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Nerida G Wilson
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; Aquatic Zoology & Molecular Systematics Unit, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA 6106, Australia
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15
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Using light-dependent scleractinia to define the upper boundary of mesophotic coral ecosystems on the reefs of Utila, Honduras. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183075. [PMID: 28809933 PMCID: PMC5557359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shallow water zooxanthellate coral reefs grade into ecologically distinct mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) deeper in the euphotic zone. MCEs are widely considered to start at an absolute depth limit of 30m deep, possibly failing to recognise that these are distinct ecological communities that may shift shallower or deeper depending on local environmental conditions. This study aimed to explore whether MCEs represent distinct biological communities, the upper boundary of which can be defined and whether the depth at which they occur may vary above or below 30m. Mixed-gas diving and closed-circuit rebreathers were used to quantitatively survey benthic communities across shallow to mesophotic reef gradients around the island of Utila, Honduras. Depths of up to 85m were sampled, covering the vertical range of the zooxanthellate corals around Utila. We investigate vertical reef zonation using a variety of ecological metrics to identify community shifts with depth, and the appropriateness of different metrics to define the upper MCE boundary. Patterns observed in scleractinian community composition varied between ordination analyses and approaches utilising biodiversity indices. Indices and richness approaches revealed vertical community transition was a gradation. Ordination approaches suggest the possibility of recognising two scleractinian assemblages. We could detect a mesophotic and shallow community while illustrating that belief in a static depth limit is biologically unjustified. The switch between these two communities occurred across bathymetric gradients as small as 10m and as large as 50m in depth. The difference between communities appears to be a loss of shallow specialists and increase in depth-generalist taxa. Therefore, it may be possible to define MCEs by a loss of shallow specialist species. To support a biological definition of mesophotic reefs, we advocate this analytical framework should be applied around the Caribbean and extended into other ocean basins where MCEs are present.
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Englebert N, Bongaerts P, Muir PR, Hay KB, Pichon M, Hoegh-Guldberg O. Lower Mesophotic Coral Communities (60-125 m Depth) of the Northern Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170336. [PMID: 28146574 PMCID: PMC5287465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific remain relatively unexplored, particularly at lower mesophotic depths (≥60 m), despite their potentially large spatial extent. Here, we used a remotely operated vehicle to conduct a qualitative assessment of the zooxanthellate coral community at lower mesophotic depths (60-125 m) at 10 different locations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve. Lower mesophotic coral communities were present at all 10 locations, with zooxanthellate scleractinian corals extending down to ~100 metres on walls and ~125 m on steep slopes. Lower mesophotic coral communities were most diverse in the 60-80 m zone, while at depths of ≥100 m the coral community consisted almost exclusively of the genus Leptoseris. Collections of coral specimens (n = 213) between 60 and 125 m depth confirmed the presence of at least 29 different species belonging to 18 genera, including several potential new species and geographic/depth range extensions. Overall, this study highlights that lower mesophotic coral ecosystems are likely to be ubiquitous features on the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef and atolls of the Coral Sea, and harbour a generic and species richness of corals that is much higher than thus far reported. Further research efforts are urgently required to better understand and manage these ecosystems as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Englebert
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Pim Bongaerts
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Kyra B. Hay
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Bongaerts P, Riginos C, Brunner R, Englebert N, Smith SR, Hoegh-Guldberg O. Deep reefs are not universal refuges: Reseeding potential varies among coral species. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1602373. [PMID: 28246645 PMCID: PMC5310828 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1602373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Deep coral reefs (that is, mesophotic coral ecosystems) can act as refuges against major disturbances affecting shallow reefs. It has been proposed that, through the provision of coral propagules, such deep refuges may aid in shallow reef recovery; however, this "reseeding" hypothesis remains largely untested. We conducted a genome-wide assessment of two scleractinian coral species with contrasting reproductive modes, to assess the potential for connectivity between mesophotic (40 m) and shallow (12 m) depths on an isolated reef system in the Western Atlantic (Bermuda). To overcome the pervasive issue of endosymbiont contamination associated with de novo sequencing of corals, we used a novel subtraction reference approach. We have demonstrated that strong depth-associated selection has led to genome-wide divergence in the brooding species Agaricia fragilis (with divergence by depth exceeding divergence by location). Despite introgression from shallow into deep populations, a lack of first-generation migrants indicates that effective connectivity over ecological time scales is extremely limited for this species and thus precludes reseeding of shallow reefs from deep refuges. In contrast, no genetic structuring between depths (or locations) was observed for the broadcasting species Stephanocoenia intersepta, indicating substantial potential for vertical connectivity. Our findings demonstrate that vertical connectivity within the same reef system can differ greatly between species and that the reseeding potential of deep reefs in Bermuda may apply to only a small number of scleractinian species. Overall, we argue that the "deep reef refuge hypothesis" holds for individual coral species during episodic disturbances but should not be assumed as a broader ecosystem-wide phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim Bongaerts
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Cynthia Riginos
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ramona Brunner
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen 28359, Germany
| | - Norbert Englebert
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | - Ove Hoegh-Guldberg
- Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Madin JS, Anderson KD, Andreasen MH, Bridge TC, Cairns SD, Connolly SR, Darling ES, Diaz M, Falster DS, Franklin EC, Gates RD, Hoogenboom MO, Huang D, Keith SA, Kosnik MA, Kuo CY, Lough JM, Lovelock CE, Luiz O, Martinelli J, Mizerek T, Pandolfi JM, Pochon X, Pratchett MS, Putnam HM, Roberts TE, Stat M, Wallace CC, Widman E, Baird AH. The Coral Trait Database, a curated database of trait information for coral species from the global oceans. Sci Data 2016; 3:160017. [PMID: 27023900 PMCID: PMC4810887 DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Trait-based approaches advance ecological and evolutionary research because traits provide a strong link to an organism's function and fitness. Trait-based research might lead to a deeper understanding of the functions of, and services provided by, ecosystems, thereby improving management, which is vital in the current era of rapid environmental change. Coral reef scientists have long collected trait data for corals; however, these are difficult to access and often under-utilized in addressing large-scale questions. We present the Coral Trait Database initiative that aims to bring together physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic and biogeographic trait information into a single repository. The database houses species- and individual-level data from published field and experimental studies alongside contextual data that provide important framing for analyses. In this data descriptor, we release data for 56 traits for 1547 species, and present a collaborative platform on which other trait data are being actively federated. Our overall goal is for the Coral Trait Database to become an open-source, community-led data clearinghouse that accelerates coral reef research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S. Madin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Kristen D. Anderson
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Magnus Heide Andreasen
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution & Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Tom C.L. Bridge
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB #3, Townsville MC, Townsville 4810, Australia
| | - Stephen D. Cairns
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian, Washington, District Of Columbia 20013, USA
| | - Sean R. Connolly
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Emily S. Darling
- Marine Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA
| | - Marcela Diaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Daniel S. Falster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Erik C. Franklin
- University of Hawaii, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, USA
| | - Ruth D. Gates
- University of Hawaii, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, USA
| | - Mia O. Hoogenboom
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Danwei Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Sally A. Keith
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution & Climate, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Matthew A. Kosnik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Chao-Yang Kuo
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Janice M. Lough
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB #3, Townsville MC, Townsville 4810, Australia
| | - Catherine E. Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Osmar Luiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Julieta Martinelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Toni Mizerek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - John M. Pandolfi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Xavier Pochon
- Environmental Technologies, Coastal & Freshwater Group, The Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
- Institute of Marine Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Morgan S. Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Hollie M. Putnam
- University of Hawaii, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, USA
| | - T. Edward Roberts
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Michael Stat
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory, Department of Environment and Agriculture, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Carden C. Wallace
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Queensland Museum Network, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Widman
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Andrew H. Baird
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
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19
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Muir PR, Wallace CC, Done T, Aguirre JD. Coral reefs. Limited scope for latitudinal extension of reef corals. Science 2015; 348:1135-8. [PMID: 26045436 DOI: 10.1126/science.1259911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
An analysis of present-day global depth distributions of reef-building corals and underlying environmental drivers contradicts a commonly held belief that ocean warming will promote tropical coral expansion into temperate latitudes. Using a global data set of a major group of reef corals, we found that corals were confined to shallower depths at higher latitudes (up to 0.6 meters of predicted shallowing per additional degree of latitude). Latitudinal attenuation of the most important driver of this phenomenon-the dose of photosynthetically available radiation over winter-would severely constrain latitudinal coral range extension in response to ocean warming. Latitudinal gradients in species richness for the group also suggest that higher winter irradiance at depth in low latitudes allowed a deep-water fauna that was not viable at higher latitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Muir
- Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia.
| | - Carden C Wallace
- Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - Terence Done
- Museum of Tropical Queensland, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia. Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB #3, Townsville MC, Queensland 4810, Australia
| | - J David Aguirre
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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