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Peralta-Serrano M, Hernández JC, Guet R, González-Delgado S, Pérez-Sorribes L, Lopes EP, Pérez-Portela R. Population genomic structure of the sea urchin Diadema africanum, a relevant species in the rocky reef systems across the Macaronesian archipelagos. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22494. [PMID: 39341905 PMCID: PMC11439068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The sea urchin Diadema africanum is a macro-herbivore found in the rocky reef systems of the West African region and Macaronesian archipelagos. Over several decades, high densities of this species have generated marine barrens in certain areas at the Canary Islands. In contrast, more recently, during the last few years, the species has suffered mass mortality events that continue to the present day. In this study, we used 9,109 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and a fragment of a mitochondrial gene to evaluate the species' population structure, effects of mass mortalities on its diversity, and potential local adaptation across the Canary Islands and Cabo Verde. Our research provides compelling evidence of low genomic diversity and homogeneity across the studied area for neutral markers, along with recent demographic fluctuations. The high connectivity among distant areas likely allows a rapid recovering of the populations from local mortality events. Interestingly, we also observed genomic sub-structure from 405 SNPs identified as candidate loci under selection for seawater temperature. The lack of divergence among distant sites and the low diversity found can be attributed to the species' divergence from a small ancestral genomic pool, followed by a contemporary demographic expansion, and ongoinggene flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Peralta-Serrano
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Carlos Hernández
- Marine Comunity Ecology and Conservation, Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Faculty of Science (Biology), University of La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Romain Guet
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Marine Comunity Ecology and Conservation, Departamento de Biología Animal, Edafología y Geología, Faculty of Science (Biology), University of La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Sara González-Delgado
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Pérez-Sorribes
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Evandro P Lopes
- Instituto de Engenharias e Ciências do Mar, Universidade Técnica do Atlântico, C.P. 163, Mindelo, Republic of Cabo Verde
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661, Vairão, Portugal
| | - Rocio Pérez-Portela
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Av. Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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2
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Wolfe K, Byrne M. Dead foundation species create coral rubble habitat that benefits a resilient pest species. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 202:106740. [PMID: 39255629 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Critical loss of habitat is the greatest threat to biodiversity, yet some species are inherently plastic to and may even benefit from changes in ecosystem states. The crown-of-thorns sea star (CoTS; Acanthaster spp.) may be one such organism. CoTS are large corallivores native to the tropical Indo-Pacific and in unexplained high densities, can adversely affect entire coral reefs. Proximal causes of CoTS outbreaks remain elusive, so this phenomenon remains a daunting and costly challenge for reef conservation and management. Amplifying anthropogenic impacts and new empirical data point to the degraded reef hypothesis to explain the episodic nature of CoTS population outbreaks. We posit that loss of live coral paradoxically benefits CoTS juveniles, which accumulate in their rubble nursery habitat before conditions trigger their pulsed emergence as coral-eaters. We review trait plasticity across the CoTS life cycle and present the degraded reef hypothesis in an integrative understanding of their propensity to outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Wolfe
- School of the Environment, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Yao L, He P, Xia Z, Li J, Liu J. Typical Marine Ecological Disasters in China Attributed to Marine Organisms and Their Significant Insights. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:678. [PMID: 39336105 PMCID: PMC11429238 DOI: 10.3390/biology13090678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
Owing to global climate change or the ever-more frequent human activities in the offshore areas, it is highly probable that an imbalance in the offshore ecosystem has been induced. However, the importance of maintaining and protecting marine ecosystems' balance cannot be overstated. In recent years, various marine disasters have occurred frequently, such as harmful algal blooms (green tides and red tides), storm surge disasters, wave disasters, sea ice disasters, and tsunami disasters. Additionally, overpopulation of certain marine organisms (particularly marine faunas) has led to marine disasters, threatening both marine ecosystems and human safety. The marine ecological disaster monitoring system in China primarily focuses on monitoring and controlling the outbreak of green tides (mainly caused by outbreaks of some Ulva species) and red tides (mainly caused by outbreaks of some diatom and dinoflagellate species). Currently, there are outbreaks of Cnidaria (Hydrozoa and Scyphozoa organisms; outbreak species are frequently referred to as jellyfish), Annelida (Urechis unicinctus Drasche, 1880), Mollusca (Philine kinglipini S. Tchang, 1934), Arthropoda (Acetes chinensis Hansen, 1919), and Echinodermata (Asteroidea organisms, Ophiuroidea organisms, and Acaudina molpadioides Semper, 1867) in China. They not only cause significant damage to marine fisheries, tourism, coastal industries, and ship navigation but also have profound impacts on marine ecosystems, especially near nuclear power plants, sea bathing beaches, and infrastructures, posing threats to human lives. Therefore, this review provides a detailed introduction to the marine organisms (especially marine fauna species) causing marine biological disasters in China, the current outbreak situations, and the biological backgrounds of these outbreaks. This review also provides an analysis of the causes of these outbreaks. Furthermore, it presents future prospects for marine biological disasters, proposing corresponding measures and advocating for enhanced resource utilization and fundamental research. It is recommended that future efforts focus on improving the monitoring of marine biological disasters and integrating them into the marine ecological disaster monitoring system. The aim of this review is to offer reference information and constructive suggestions for enhancing future monitoring, early warning systems, and prevention efforts related to marine ecological disasters in support of the healthy development and stable operation of marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Yao
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Peimin He
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhangyi Xia
- College of Ocean and Earth Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jiye Li
- Key Laboratory of Ecological Prewarning of Bohai Sea of Ministry of Natural Resources, North China Sea Environmental Monitoring Center of State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao 266033, China
| | - Jinlin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Project Management Office of China, National Scientific Seafloor Observatory, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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4
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Liu Z, Guo Y, Qin C, Mu X, Zhang J. High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis Revealed a Preference for Animal-Based Food in Purple Sea Urchins. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:623. [PMID: 39194561 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Sea urchins play an important role in marine ecosystems. Owing to limitations in previous research methods, there has been insufficient understanding of the food sources and ecological functional value of purple sea urchins, leading to considerable controversy regarding their functional positioning. We focused on Daya Bay as the research area, utilizing stable isotope technology and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA to analyze sea urchins and their potential food sources in stone and algae areas. The results showed that the δ13C range of purple sea urchins in the stone area is -11.42~-8.17‱, and the δ15N range is 9.15~10.31‱. However, in the algal area, the δ13C range is -13.97~-12.44‱, and the δ15N range is 8.75~10.14‱. There was a significant difference in δ13C between the two areas (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in δ15N (p > 0.05). The main food source for purple sea urchins in both areas is sediment. The sequencing results of 18S rDNA revealed that, in the algal area, the highest proportion in the sea urchin gut was Molluska (57.37%). In the stone area, the highest proportion was Arthropoda (76.71%). The sequencing results of 16S rDNA revealed that, in the algal area, Bacteroidetes was the dominant group in the sea urchin gut (28.87%), whereas, in the stone area, Proteobacteria was the dominant group (37.83%). Diversity detection revealed a significant difference in the number of gut microbes and eukaryotes between the stone and algal areas (p < 0.05). The results revealed that the main food source of purple sea urchins in both areas is sediment, but the organic nutritional value is greater in the algal area, and the richness of microbiota and eukaryotes in the gut of purple sea urchins in the stone area is greater. These results indicated that purple sea urchins are likely omnivores and that the area where they occur impacts their growth and development. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the restoration of wild purple sea urchin resources and the selection of areas for restocking and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerui Liu
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Processing of Marine Fishery Resources of Hainan Province, Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya 572018, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Yu Guo
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Processing of Marine Fishery Resources of Hainan Province, Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya 572018, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Chuanxin Qin
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Processing of Marine Fishery Resources of Hainan Province, Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya 572018, China
| | - Xiaohui Mu
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Processing of Marine Fishery Resources of Hainan Province, Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya 572018, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China
- Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Processing of Marine Fishery Resources of Hainan Province, Sanya Tropical Fisheries Research Institute, Sanya 572018, China
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
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5
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Qu L, Sun Y, Zhao C, Elphick MR, Wang Q. Research Progress on Starfish Outbreaks and Their Prevention and Utilization: Lessons from Northern China. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:537. [PMID: 39056729 PMCID: PMC11273428 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Starfish are keystone species as predators in benthic ecosystems, but when population outbreaks occur, this can have devastating consequences ecologically. Furthermore, starfish outbreaks and invasions can have adverse impact economically by impacting shellfish aquaculture. For example, an infestation of starfish in Qingdao led to a 50% reduction in sea cucumber production and an 80% reduction in scallop production, resulting in an economic loss of approximately RMB 100 million to oyster and other shellfish industries. Addressing the imperative need to proactively mitigate starfish invasions requires comprehensive research on their behavior and the underlying mechanisms of outbreaks. This review scrutinizes the historical patterns of outbreaks among diverse starfish species across various regions, delineates the factors contributing to the proliferation of Asterias amurensis in Chinese waters, articulates preventive and remedial strategies, and outlines the potential for the sustainable utilization of starfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qu
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources for Marine Shellfish, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian 116023, China; (L.Q.); (Y.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Aquatic Germplasm Resource, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian 116023, China
- Dalian Jinshiwan Laboratory, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Yongxin Sun
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources for Marine Shellfish, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian 116023, China; (L.Q.); (Y.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Aquatic Germplasm Resource, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian 116023, China
- Dalian Jinshiwan Laboratory, Dalian 116034, China
| | - Chong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China’s Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China;
| | - Maurice R. Elphick
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Qingzhi Wang
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources for Marine Shellfish, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian 116023, China; (L.Q.); (Y.S.)
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Aquatic Germplasm Resource, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian 116023, China
- Dalian Jinshiwan Laboratory, Dalian 116034, China
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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6
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Foo SA, Millican HR, Byrne M. Crown-of-thorns seastar (Acanthaster spp.) feeding ecology across species and regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 930:172691. [PMID: 38663591 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172691] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The coral predators, crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS, Acanthaster spp.) remain a major cause of extensive and widespread coral loss in Indo-Pacific coral reefs. With increased phylogenetic understanding of these seastars, at least five species appear to be present across different regions. We compare the feeding ecology of these species. Where acroporid corals are prevalent, Acanthaster spp. often exhibit a preference for these corals, with Porites being least preferred, as seen in most species including Acanthaster planci in the northern Indian Ocean and Acanthaster cf. solaris in the west Pacific. In the eastern Pacific, where Acropora is largely absent, Acanthaster cf. ellisii prey on a range of coral species, including Porites. Coral predation by COTS is influenced by several factors including food availability, coral nutritional value, protective crustaceans and coral defenses, with differences in feeding ecology and behaviour emerging across the different COTS species. Feeding behaviour of COTS can act to increase coral species richness by reducing the dominance of fast-growing species. In outbreaking populations, COTS impacts reef systems by reducing live coral cover, eroding reef complexity and causing shifts in reef trophic structure. Where data are available, we synthesise and contrast the feeding preferences and foraging behaviour of Acanthaster species, and their impact on coral assemblages across the different species and regions. For areas where focal predation on Acropora occurs, also the fastest growing coral with the greatest recovery potential following mass mortality events, the combination of climate change and COTS outbreaks presents an imminent threat to coral reefs. This is exacerbated by the dietary flexibility of Acanthaster species. The impacts of heatwaves, COTS and other stressors are creating a negative feedback loop accelerating coral reef decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna A Foo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Hayden R Millican
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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7
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Morin M, Jönsson M, Wang CK, Craik DJ, Degnan SM, Degnan BM. Seasonal tissue-specific gene expression in wild crown-of-thorns starfish reveals reproductive and stress-related transcriptional systems. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002620. [PMID: 38743647 PMCID: PMC11093393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals are influenced by the season, yet we know little about the changes that occur in most species throughout the year. This is particularly true in tropical marine animals that experience relatively small annual temperature and daylight changes. Like many coral reef inhabitants, the crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), well known as a notorious consumer of corals and destroyer of coral reefs, reproduces exclusively in the summer. By comparing gene expression in 7 somatic tissues procured from wild COTS sampled on the Great Barrier Reef, we identified more than 2,000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter. COTS genes that appear to mediate conspecific communication, including both signalling factors released into the surrounding sea water and cell surface receptors, are up-regulated in external secretory and sensory tissues in the summer, often in a sex-specific manner. Sexually dimorphic gene expression appears to be underpinned by sex- and season-specific transcription factors (TFs) and gene regulatory programs. There are over 100 TFs that are seasonally expressed, 87% of which are significantly up-regulated in the summer. Six nuclear receptors are up-regulated in all tissues in the summer, suggesting that systemic seasonal changes are hormonally controlled, as in vertebrates. Unexpectedly, there is a suite of stress-related chaperone proteins and TFs, including HIFa, ATF3, C/EBP, CREB, and NF-κB, that are uniquely and widely co-expressed in gravid females. The up-regulation of these stress proteins in the summer suggests the demands of oogenesis in this highly fecund starfish affects protein stability and turnover in somatic cells. Together, these circannual changes in gene expression provide novel insights into seasonal changes in this coral reef pest and have the potential to identify vulnerabilities for targeted biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Morin
- Centre for Marine Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mathias Jönsson
- Centre for Marine Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Conan K. Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sandie M. Degnan
- Centre for Marine Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bernard M. Degnan
- Centre for Marine Science, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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8
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Webb M, Clements M, Selvakumaraswamy P, McLaren E, Byrne M. Chemosensory behaviour of juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star ( Acanthaster sp.), attraction to algal and coral food and avoidance of adult conspecifics. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20240623. [PMID: 38807518 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0623] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific and habitat-mediated responses to chemical cues play key roles in structuring populations of marine species. We investigated the behaviour of herbivorous-stage juvenile crown-of-thorns sea stars (COTS; Acanthaster sp.) in flow-through choice chambers to determine if chemical cues from their habitat influence movement and their transition to become coral predators. Juveniles at the diet transition stage were exposed to cues from their nursery habitat (coral rubble-crustose coralline algae (CCA)), live coral and adult COTS to determine if waterborne cues influence movement. In response to CCA and coral as sole cues, juveniles moved towards the cue source and when these cues were presented in combination, they exhibited a preference for coral. Juveniles moved away from adult COTS cues. Exposure to food cues (coral, CCA) in the presence of adult cues resulted in variable responses. Our results suggest a feedback mechanism whereby juvenile behaviour is mediated by adult chemical cues. Cues from the adult population may deter juveniles from the switch to corallivory. As outbreaks wane, juveniles released from competition may serve as a proximate source of outbreaks, supporting the juveniles-in-waiting hypothesis. The accumulation of juveniles within the reef infrastructure is an underappreciated potential source of COTS outbreaks that devastate coral reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Webb
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Clements
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P Selvakumaraswamy
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - E McLaren
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney , Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Thomas AM, Antony SP. Marine Antimicrobial Peptides: An Emerging Nightmare to the Life-Threatening Pathogens. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:552-578. [PMID: 37022565 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10061-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens due to improper usage of conventional antibiotics has created a global health crisis. Alternatives to antibiotics being an urgent need, the scientific community is forced to search for new antimicrobials. This exploration has led to the discovery of antimicrobial peptides, a group of small peptides occurring in different phyla such as Porifera, Cnidaria, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, and Chordata, as a component of their innate immune system. The marine environment, possessing immense diversity of organisms, is undoubtedly one of the richest sources of unique potential antimicrobial peptides. The distinctiveness of marine antimicrobial peptides lies in their broad-spectrum activity, mechanism of action, less cytotoxicity, and high stability, which form the benchmark for developing a potential therapeutic. This review aims to (1) synthesise the available information on the distinctive antimicrobial peptides discovered from marine organisms, particularly over the last decade, and (2) discuss the distinctiveness of marine antimicrobial peptides and their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Maria Thomas
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - Swapna P Antony
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India.
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10
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Popovic I, Bergeron LA, Bozec YM, Waldvogel AM, Howitt SM, Damjanovic K, Patel F, Cabrera MG, Wörheide G, Uthicke S, Riginos C. High germline mutation rates, but not extreme population outbreaks, influence genetic diversity in a keystone coral predator. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011129. [PMID: 38346089 PMCID: PMC10861045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Lewontin's paradox, the observation that levels of genetic diversity (π) do not scale linearly with census population size (Nc) variation, is an evolutionary conundrum. The most extreme mismatches between π and Nc are found for highly abundant marine invertebrates. Yet, the influences of new mutations on π relative to extrinsic processes such as Nc fluctuations are unknown. Here, we provide the first germline mutation rate (μ) estimate for a marine invertebrate in corallivorous crown-of-thorns sea stars (Acanthaster cf. solaris). We use high-coverage whole-genome sequencing of 14 parent-offspring trios alongside empirical estimates of Nc in Australia's Great Barrier Reef to jointly examine the determinants of π in populations undergoing extreme Nc fluctuations. The A. cf. solaris mean μ was 9.13 x 10-09 mutations per-site per-generation (95% CI: 6.51 x 10-09 to 1.18 x 10-08), exceeding estimates for other invertebrates and showing greater concordance with vertebrate mutation rates. Lower-than-expected Ne (~70,000-180,000) and low Ne/Nc values (0.0047-0.048) indicated weak influences of population outbreaks on long-term π. Our findings are consistent with elevated μ evolving in response to reduced Ne and generation time length, with important implications for explaining high mutational loads and the determinants of genetic diversity in marine invertebrate taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Popovic
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lucie A. Bergeron
- Villum Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yves-Marie Bozec
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Samantha M. Howitt
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Frances Patel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | | | - Gert Wörheide
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paleontology and Geobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns (SNSB)–Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Uthicke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - Cynthia Riginos
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Rodríguez-Barreras R, Ruiz-Diaz CP, Quiñones-Otero MA, Toledo-Hernández C. Uneven demographic consequences of the 2022 disease outbreak for the sea urchin Diadema antillarum in Puerto Rico. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16675. [PMID: 38144189 PMCID: PMC10748467 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pervasive epizootic events have had a significant impact on marine invertebrates throughout the Caribbean, leading to severe population declines and consequential ecological implications. One such event was the regional collapse of herbivory, partly caused by the Diadema antillarum mortality event in 1983-84, resulting in a trophic cascade and altering the structure of reef communities. Consequently, there was a notable decrease in coral recruitment and an increase in the coverage of macroalgae. Nearly four decades later, in early 2022, the Caribbean basin experienced another widespread mass mortality event, further reducing the populations of D. antillarum. To assess the effects of this recent mortality event on the current demographics of D. antillarum, we surveyed eight populations along the eastern, northeastern, northern, and northwestern coast of Puerto Rico from May to July 2022, estimating their population density, size distribution, and disease prevalence. Additionally, the study compared these population parameters with data from four sites previously surveyed in 2012 and 2017 to understand the impact of the recent mortality event. The survey conducted in 2022 showed varying population densities at the surveyed reefs. Some populations exhibited mean densities of nearly one individual per square meter, while others had extremely low or no living individuals per square meter. The four populations with the highest density showed no evidence of disease, whereas the four populations with the lowest D. antillarum densities exhibited moderate to high disease prevalence. However, when considering all sites, the estimated disease prevalence remained below 5%. Nevertheless, the comparison with data from 2012 and 2017 indicated that the recent mortality event had a negative impact on D. antillarum demographics at multiple sites, as the densities in 2022 were reduced by 60.19% compared to those from the previous years. However, it is still too early to determine the severity of this new mortality event compared to the 1983-84 mortality event. Therefore, it is imperative to continue monitoring these populations.
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12
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Chandler JF, Burn D, Caballes CF, Doll PC, Kwong SLT, Lang BJ, Pacey KI, Pratchett MS. Increasing densities of Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) at Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, resolved using a novel survey method. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19306. [PMID: 37935784 PMCID: PMC10630282 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46749-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent population irruptions of Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS, Acanthaster cf. solaris) are among the foremost causes of coral mortality on Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Early intervention during the initiation of new population irruptions represents the best opportunity to effectively manage this threat. However, current survey methods are not sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in CoTS densities during the early onset of population irruptions. Using scooter-assisted large area diver-based (SALAD) surveys, this study revealed increasing densities of CoTS at Lizard Island from 2019 to 2022. Inferred densities of adult CoTS (which account for distinct sets of observed feeding scars where starfish were not detected) increased from 4.90 ha-1 (± 0.85 SE) in 2019 to 17.71 ha-1 (± 2.3 SE) in 2022. A wide range of size classes were recorded suggesting that recruitment over several years is contributing to increasing densities. Importantly, the sustained density increases reported here denote that renewed CoTS population irruptions may soon become fully established at Lizard Island and more broadly in the northern GBR, especially without early intervention through effective population management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie F Chandler
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Deborah Burn
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Ciemon F Caballes
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, Guam, 96923, USA
| | - Peter C Doll
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Sarah L T Kwong
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Bethan J Lang
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Kai I Pacey
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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13
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Contins M, Barroso R, Paiva PC, R Ventura CR. Assessing the vulnerability of endangered and endemic brooding sea urchin Cassidulus mitis in response to climate change: Impacts on larvae and settlers in the southwestern Atlantic. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106186. [PMID: 37778060 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106186] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Echinoderms play important roles in marine ecosystems and exhibit high sensitivity to environmental changes. The echinoid Cassidulus mitis has been considered an endangered species due to its restricted geographic distribution and unique reproductive behavior, with an epibenthic lecithotrophic larva and offspring brooded among the female spines during initial development until the settler stage. We studied the effects of low salinities (30 and 26) and high temperatures (27 and 31 °C) on the early development of C. mitis in a predicted scenario of global climate change through four parameters: 1. survival and 2. chronology of larval development, and 3. survival and 4. growth of settlers. Both larvae and settlers of C. mitis can survive under these scenarios, probably due to the lecithotrophic and epibenthic larval characteristics and developmental strategies of this species. However, all experimental conditions affected at least one of the initial developmental studied parameters of C. mitis, potentially compromising the species' viability in a scenario of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Contins
- Laboratório de Echinodermata, Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Fórum de Ciência e Cultura/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Rômulo Barroso
- Laboratório de Annelida, Instituto de Biologia/Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paulo C Paiva
- Laboratório Taxon, Instituto de Biologia/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos R R Ventura
- Laboratório de Echinodermata, Museu Nacional/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Peng C, Wang K, Wang W, Kuang F, Gao Y, Jiang R, Sun X, Dong X, Chen B, Lin H. Phytoplankton community structure and environmental factors during the outbreak of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish in Xisha Islands, South China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116568. [PMID: 37422114 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116568] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The "larval starvation hypothesis" proposed that the growing frequency of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (CoTS) outbreaks could be attributed to increased availability of phytoplankton. However, comprehensive field investigation on the living environment of CoTS larvae and the availability of phytoplankton are still lacking. A cruise was conducted in June 2022 in Xisha Islands, South China Sea, to study the interaction between environmental conditions and phytoplankton communities during CoTS outbreak period. The average concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphorus (0.05 ± 0.01 μmol L-1), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (0.66 ± 0.8 μmol L-1) and chlorophyll a (0.05 ± 0.05 μg L-1) suggested that phytoplankton may be limited for CoTS larvae in Xisha Islands. Microscopic observation and high-throughput sequencing were used to study the composition and structure of the phytoplankton communities. Bacillariophyta predominated in phytoplankton communities with the highest abundance and species richness. 29 dominant species, including 4 species with size-range preferred by CoTS larvae, were identified in Xisha Islands. The diversity index of all stations indicated a species-rich and structure-stable phytoplankton community in Xisha Islands during the period of CoTS outbreak, which may contribute to CoTS outbreak. These findings revealed the structure of phytoplankton community and environmental factors in the study area during CoTS outbreak, providing the groundwork for future research into the causes and processes of CoTS outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Peng
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China; School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Fangfang Kuang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Yahui Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ronggen Jiang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xiuwu Sun
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Baohong Chen
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China; Xiamen Ocean Vocational College, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Hui Lin
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, 361005, China.
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15
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Doll PC, Uthicke S, Caballes CF, Patel F, Gomez Cabrera MDC, Lang BJ, Pratchett MS. Induction of larval settlement in crown-of-thorns starfish is not mediated by conspecific cues. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17119. [PMID: 37816798 PMCID: PMC10564929 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44422-x] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Population irruptions of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster spp.) remain a major cause of coral reef degradation throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and are inherently modulated by larval settlement and recruitment success. Gregarious larval settlement, as exhibited by many other ecologically important marine invertebrates, can catalyse population growth and replenishment. However, whether conspecific cues induce or influence the settlement of COTS larvae remains a critical information gap. This experimental study examined the induction of COTS settlement in response to a range of conspecific cues associated with early- and late-stage herbivorous juveniles, corallivorous juveniles and adults. Competent COTS larvae were generally not induced to settle by the presence of conspecifics or cues associated with conspecifics, while the settlement success of COTS in the presence of coralline algae was not inhibited or enhanced by adding conspecific conditioned seawater. Rather than being reinforced by gregarious settlement, the recruitment of COTS populations appears dependent on associative settlement cues (i.e., coralline algae and/or associated microbial communities) signalling suitable benthic habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C Doll
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Sven Uthicke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Ciemon F Caballes
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- University of Guam - Marine Laboratory, Mangilao, GU, 96923, USA
| | - Frances Patel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | | | - Bethan J Lang
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
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16
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Tinta T, Zhao Z, Bayer B, Herndl GJ. Jellyfish detritus supports niche partitioning and metabolic interactions among pelagic marine bacteria. MICROBIOME 2023; 11:156. [PMID: 37480075 PMCID: PMC10360251 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01598-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Jellyfish blooms represent a significant but largely overlooked source of labile organic matter (jelly-OM) in the ocean, characterized by a high protein content. Decaying jellyfish are important carriers for carbon export to the ocean's interior. To accurately incorporate them into biogeochemical models, the interactions between microbes and jelly-OM have yet to be fully characterized. We conducted jelly-OM enrichment experiments in microcosms to simulate the scenario experienced by the coastal pelagic microbiome after the decay of a jellyfish bloom. We combined metagenomics, endo- and exo-metaproteomic approaches to obtain a mechanistic understanding on the metabolic network operated by the jelly-OM degrading bacterial consortium. RESULTS Our analysis revealed that OM released during the decay of jellyfish blooms triggers a rapid shuffling of the taxonomic and functional profile of the pelagic bacterial community, resulting in a significant enrichment of protein/amino acid catabolism-related enzymes in the jelly-OM degrading community dominated by Pseudoalteromonadaceae, Alteromonadaceae and Vibrionaceae, compared to unamended control treatments. In accordance with the proteinaceous character of jelly-OM, Pseudoalteromonadaceae synthesized and excreted enzymes associated with proteolysis, while Alteromonadaceae contributed to extracellular hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates and organophosphorus compounds. In contrast, Vibrionaceae synthesized transporter proteins for peptides, amino acids and carbohydrates, exhibiting a cheater-type lifestyle, i.e. benefiting from public goods released by others. In the late stage of jelly-OM degradation, Rhodobacteraceae and Alteromonadaceae became dominant, growing on jelly-OM left-overs or bacterial debris, potentially contributing to the accumulation of dissolved organic nitrogen compounds and inorganic nutrients, following the decay of jellyfish blooms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that specific chemical and metabolic fingerprints associated with decaying jellyfish blooms are substantially different to those previously associated with decaying phytoplankton blooms, potentially altering the functioning and biogeochemistry of marine systems. We show that decaying jellyfish blooms are associated with the enrichment in extracellular collagenolytic bacterial proteases, which could act as virulence factors in human and marine organisms' disease, with possible implications for marine ecosystem services. Our study also provides novel insights into niche partitioning and metabolic interactions among key jelly-OM degraders operating a complex metabolic network in a temporal cascade of biochemical reactions to degrade pulses of jellyfish-bloom-specific compounds in the water column. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinkara Tinta
- Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Piran, Slovenia.
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology Unit, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Zihao Zhao
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology Unit, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Bayer
- Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard J Herndl
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, Bio-Oceanography and Marine Biology Unit, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- NIOZ, Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Utrecht University, Den Burg, The Netherlands
- Vienna Metabolomics & Proteomics Center, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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de Alba-Guzmán C, Rodríguez-Troncoso AP, Cabral-Tena RA, Rodríguez-Zaragoza FA, Tortolero-Langarica JDJA, Cupul-Magaña AL. Taxonomical and functional diversity dynamics of conspicuous echinoderms in the northeastern tropical Pacific over a decade. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 188:106037. [PMID: 37263009 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding what determines spatio-temporal changes in echinoderm assemblages from an integrative perspective that considers biodiversity, species evenness, and species' niches could permit superior community-scale characterizations of habitat resilience to disturbance. Such an approach was taken herein by tracking a Central Mexican Pacific echinoderm assemblage between 2012 and 2021, and higher richness, diversity, evenness, and functional entity counts were associated with more heterogeneous benthic assemblages. Echinoderm taxonomic composition was influenced by ENSO events, with higher functional diversity found during La Niña events. Conservation strategies should focus on species with unique functional traits to maintain the balance of coral community functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra de Alba-Guzmán
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, Avenida Universidad de Guadalajara No. 203, Puerto Vallarta, CP 48280, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alma Paola Rodríguez-Troncoso
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, Avenida Universidad de Guadalajara No. 203, Puerto Vallarta, CP 48280, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Rafael Andrés Cabral-Tena
- Laboratorio de Arrecifes y Biodiversidad/Departamento de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Fabián Alejandro Rodríguez-Zaragoza
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular, Microbiología y Taxonomía (LEMITAX), Departamento de Ecología, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Camino Ramón Padilla Sánchez No. 2100 Nextipac, C.P. 45110, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José de Jesús Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica
- Laboratorio de Esclerocronología de Corales Arrecifales, Unidad Académica de Sistemas Arrecifales, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Prol. Av. Niños Héroes S/N, Domicilio conocido, Puerto Morelos, Q. Roo, 77580, Mexico; Instituto Tecnológico de Bahía de Banderas, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Crucero a Punta de Mita S/N, Bahía de Banderas, C.P. 63734, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Amílcar Leví Cupul-Magaña
- Laboratorio de Ecología Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Costeras, Centro Universitario de la Costa, Universidad de Guadalajara, Avenida Universidad de Guadalajara No. 203, Puerto Vallarta, CP 48280, Jalisco, Mexico
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18
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Jönsson M, Morin M, Wang CK, Craik DJ, Degnan SM, Degnan BM. Sex-specific expression of pheromones and other signals in gravid starfish. BMC Biol 2022; 20:288. [PMID: 36528687 PMCID: PMC9759900 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many echinoderms form seasonal aggregations prior to spawning. In some fecund species, a spawning event can lead to population outbreaks with detrimental ecosystem impacts. For instance, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS), a corallivore, can destroy coral reefs. Here, we examine the gene expression in gravid male and female COTS prior to spawning in the wild, to identify genome-encoded factors that may regulate aggregation and spawning. This study is informed by a previously identified exoproteome that attracts conspecifics. To capture the natural gene expression profiles, we isolated RNAs from gravid female and male COTS immediately after they were removed from the Great Barrier Reef. RESULTS: Sexually dimorphic gene expression is present in all seven somatic tissues and organs that we surveyed and in the gonads. Approximately 40% of the exoproteome transcripts are differentially expressed between sexes. Males uniquely upregulate an additional 68 secreted factors in their testes. A suite of neuropeptides in sensory organs, coelomocytes and gonads is differentially expressed between sexes, including the relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide and gonadotropin-releasing hormones. Female sensory tentacles-chemosensory organs at the distal tips of the starfish arms-uniquely upregulate diverse receptors and signalling molecules, including chemosensory G-protein-coupled receptors and several neuropeptides, including kisspeptin, SALMFamide and orexin. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of 103 tissue/organ transcriptomes from 13 wild COTS has revealed genes that are consistently differentially expressed between gravid females and males and that all tissues surveyed are sexually dimorphic at the molecular level. This finding is consistent with female and male COTS using sex-specific pheromones to regulate reproductive aggregations and synchronised spawning events. These pheromones appear to be received primarily by the sensory tentacles, which express a range of receptors and signalling molecules in a sex-specific manner. Furthermore, coelomocytes and gonads differentially express signalling and regulatory factors that control gametogenesis and spawning in other echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Jönsson
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Marie Morin
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sandie M Degnan
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Bernard M Degnan
- Centre for Marine Science, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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19
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Schiebelhut LM, Giakoumis M, Castilho R, Duffin PJ, Puritz JB, Wares JP, Wessel GM, Dawson MN. Minor Genetic Consequences of a Major Mass Mortality: Short-Term Effects in Pisaster ochraceus. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2022; 243:328-338. [PMID: 36716481 PMCID: PMC10668074 DOI: 10.1086/722284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMass mortality events are increasing globally in frequency and magnitude, largely as a result of human-induced change. The effects of these mass mortality events, in both the long and short term, are of imminent concern because of their ecosystem impacts. Genomic data can be used to reveal some of the population-level changes associated with mass mortality events. Here, we use reduced-representation sequencing to identify potential short-term genetic impacts of a mass mortality event associated with a sea star wasting outbreak. We tested for changes in the population for genetic differentiation, diversity, and effective population size between pre-sea star wasting and post-sea star wasting populations of Pisaster ochraceus-a species that suffered high sea star wasting-associated mortality (75%-100% at 80% of sites). We detected no significant population-based genetic differentiation over the spatial scale sampled; however, the post-sea star wasting population tended toward more differentiation across sites than the pre-sea star wasting population. Genetic estimates of effective population size did not detectably change, consistent with theoretical expectations; however, rare alleles were lost. While we were unable to detect significant population-based genetic differentiation or changes in effective population size over this short time period, the genetic burden of this mass mortality event may be borne by future generations, unless widespread recruitment mitigates the population decline. Prior results from P. ochraceus indicated that natural selection played a role in altering allele frequencies following this mass mortality event. In addition to the role of selection found in a previous study on the genomic impacts of sea star wasting on P. ochraceus, our current study highlights the potential role the stochastic loss of many individuals plays in altering how genetic variation is structured across the landscape. Future genetic monitoring is needed to determine long-term genetic impacts in this long-lived species. Given the increased frequency of mass mortality events, it is important to implement demographic and genetic monitoring strategies that capture baselines and background dynamics to better contextualize species' responses to large perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Schiebelhut
- Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, California 95343
| | - Melina Giakoumis
- Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 5th Avenue, New York, New York 10016
- Department of Biology, City College of New York, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031
| | - Rita Castilho
- University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paige J. Duffin
- Odum School of Ecology and Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, 120 Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Jonathan B. Puritz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, 120 Flagg Road, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
| | - John P. Wares
- Odum School of Ecology and Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, 120 Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Gary M. Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Michael N Dawson
- Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, 5200 N. Lake Road, Merced, California 95343
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20
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Oulhen N, Byrne M, Duffin P, Gomez-Chiarri M, Hewson I, Hodin J, Konar B, Lipp EK, Miner BG, Newton AL, Schiebelhut LM, Smolowitz R, Wahltinez SJ, Wessel GM, Work TM, Zaki HA, Wares JP. A Review of Asteroid Biology in the Context of Sea Star Wasting: Possible Causes and Consequences. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2022; 243:50-75. [PMID: 36108034 PMCID: PMC10642522 DOI: 10.1086/719928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
AbstractSea star wasting-marked in a variety of sea star species as varying degrees of skin lesions followed by disintegration-recently caused one of the largest marine die-offs ever recorded on the west coast of North America, killing billions of sea stars. Despite the important ramifications this mortality had for coastal benthic ecosystems, such as increased abundance of prey, little is known about the causes of the disease or the mechanisms of its progression. Although there have been studies indicating a range of causal mechanisms, including viruses and environmental effects, the broad spatial and depth range of affected populations leaves many questions remaining about either infectious or non-infectious mechanisms. Wasting appears to start with degradation of mutable connective tissue in the body wall, leading to disintegration of the epidermis. Here, we briefly review basic sea star biology in the context of sea star wasting and present our current knowledge and hypotheses related to the symptoms, the microbiome, the viruses, and the associated environmental stressors. We also highlight throughout the article knowledge gaps and the data needed to better understand sea star wasting mechanistically, its causes, and potential management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Oulhen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paige Duffin
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Marta Gomez-Chiarri
- Department of Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary Science, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Ian Hewson
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jason Hodin
- Friday Harbor Labs, University of Washington, Friday Harbor, Washington
| | - Brenda Konar
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska
| | - Erin K. Lipp
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Benjamin G. Miner
- Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
| | | | - Lauren M. Schiebelhut
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Merced, California
| | - Roxanna Smolowitz
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island
| | - Sarah J. Wahltinez
- Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Gary M. Wessel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Thierry M. Work
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Hossam A. Zaki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - John P. Wares
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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Crown of thorns starfish life-history traits contribute to outbreaks, a continuing concern for coral reefs. Emerg Top Life Sci 2022; 6:67-79. [PMID: 35225331 PMCID: PMC9023020 DOI: 10.1042/etls20210239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Crown of thorns starfish (COTS, Acanthaster sp.) are notorious for their destructive consumption of coral that decimates tropical reefs, an attribute unique among tropical marine invertebrates. Their populations can rapidly increase from 0–1 COTS ha−1 to more than 10–1000 COTS ha−1 in short order causing a drastic change to benthic communities and reducing the functional and species diversity of coral reef ecosystems. Population outbreaks were first identified to be a significant threat to coral reefs in the 1960s. Since then, they have become one of the leading causes of coral loss along with coral bleaching. Decades of research and significant investment in Australia and elsewhere, particularly Japan, have been directed towards identifying, understanding, and managing the potential causes of outbreaks and designing population control methods. Despite this, the drivers of outbreaks remain elusive. What is becoming increasingly clear is that the success of COTS is tied to their inherent biological traits, especially in early life. Survival of larval and juvenile COTS is likely to be enhanced by their dietary flexibility and resilience to variable food conditions as well as their phenotypically plastic growth dynamics, all magnified by the extreme reproductive potential of COTS. These traits enable COTS to capitalise on anthropogenic disturbances to reef systems as well as endure less favourable conditions.
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Randell Z, Kenner M, Tomoleoni J, Yee J, Novak M. Kelp-forest dynamics controlled by substrate complexity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2103483119. [PMID: 35181602 PMCID: PMC8872774 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103483119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors that determine why ecosystems exhibit abrupt shifts in state are of paramount importance for management, conservation, and restoration efforts. Kelp forests are emblematic of such abruptly shifting ecosystems, transitioning from kelp-dominated to urchin-dominated states around the world with increasing frequency, yet the underlying processes and mechanisms that control their dynamics remain unclear. Here, we analyze four decades of data from biannual monitoring around San Nicolas Island, CA, to show that substrate complexity controls both the number of possible (alternative) states and the velocity with which shifts between states occur. The superposition of community dynamics with reconstructions of system stability landscapes reveals that shifts between alternative states at low-complexity sites reflect abrupt, high-velocity events initiated by pulse perturbations that rapidly propel species across dynamically unstable state-space. In contrast, high-complexity sites exhibit a single state of resilient kelp-urchin coexistence. Our analyses suggest that substrate complexity influences both top-down and bottom-up regulatory processes in kelp forests, highlight its influence on kelp-forest stability at both large (island-wide) and small (<10 m) spatial scales, and could be valuable for holistic kelp-forest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Randell
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331;
| | - Michael Kenner
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Joseph Tomoleoni
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Julie Yee
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
| | - Mark Novak
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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Hamel JF, Eeckhaut I, Conand C, Sun J, Caulier G, Mercier A. Global knowledge on the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria scabra. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2022; 91:1-286. [PMID: 35777924 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Holothuria scabra is one of the most intensively studied holothuroids, or sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), having been discussed in the literature since the early 19th century. The species is important for several reasons: (1) it is widely distributed and historically abundant in several shallow soft-bottom habitats throughout the Indo-Pacific, (2) it has a high commercial value on the Asian markets, where it is mainly sold as a dried product (beche-de-mer) and (3) it is the only tropical holothuroid species that can currently be mass-produced in hatcheries. Over 20 years have elapsed since the last comprehensive review on H. scabra published in 2001. Research on H. scabra has continued to accumulate, fuelled by intense commercial exploitation, and further declines in wild stocks over the entire distribution range. This review compiles data from over 950 publications pertaining to the biology, ecology, physiology, biochemical composition, aquaculture, fishery, processing and trade of H. scabra, presenting the most complete synthesis to date, including scientific papers and material published by local institutions and/or in foreign languages. The main goal of this project was to summarize and critically discuss the abundant literature on this species, making it more readily accessible to all stakeholders aiming to conduct fundamental and applied research on H. scabra, or wishing to develop aquaculture, stock enhancement and management programs across its geographic range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Hamel
- Society for the Exploration and Valuing of the Environment (SEVE), St. Philips, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
| | - Igor Eeckhaut
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics unit, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Chantal Conand
- Département origines et évolution, Muséum National Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Jiamin Sun
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
| | - Guillaume Caulier
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics unit, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Annie Mercier
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada.
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Pratchett MS, Caballes CF, Cvitanovic C, Raymundo ML, Babcock RC, Bonin MC, Bozec YM, Burn D, Byrne M, Castro-Sanguino C, Chen CCM, Condie SA, Cowan ZL, Deaker DJ, Desbiens A, Devantier LM, Doherty PJ, Doll PC, Doyle JR, Dworjanyn SA, Fabricius KE, Haywood MDE, Hock K, Hoggett AK, Høj L, Keesing JK, Kenchington RA, Lang BJ, Ling SD, Matthews SA, McCallum HI, Mellin C, Mos B, Motti CA, Mumby PJ, Stump RJW, Uthicke S, Vail L, Wolfe K, Wilson SK. Knowledge Gaps in the Biology, Ecology, and Management of the Pacific Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star Acanthaster sp. on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 241:330-346. [PMID: 35015620 DOI: 10.1086/717026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCrown-of-thorns sea stars (Acanthaster sp.) are among the most studied coral reef organisms, owing to their propensity to undergo major population irruptions, which contribute to significant coral loss and reef degradation throughout the Indo-Pacific. However, there are still important knowledge gaps pertaining to the biology, ecology, and management of Acanthaster sp. Renewed efforts to advance understanding and management of Pacific crown-of-thorns sea stars (Acanthaster sp.) on Australia's Great Barrier Reef require explicit consideration of relevant and tractable knowledge gaps. Drawing on established horizon scanning methodologies, this study identified contemporary knowledge gaps by asking active and/or established crown-of-thorns sea star researchers to pose critical research questions that they believe should be addressed to improve the understanding and management of crown-of-thorns sea stars on the Great Barrier Reef. A total of 38 participants proposed 246 independent research questions, organized into 7 themes: feeding ecology, demography, distribution and abundance, predation, settlement, management, and environmental change. Questions were further assigned to 48 specific topics nested within the 7 themes. During this process, redundant questions were removed, which reduced the total number of distinct research questions to 172. Research questions posed were mostly related to themes of demography (46 questions) and management (48 questions). The dominant topics, meanwhile, were the incidence of population irruptions (16 questions), feeding ecology of larval sea stars (15 questions), effects of elevated water temperature on crown-of-thorns sea stars (13 questions), and predation on juveniles (12 questions). While the breadth of questions suggests that there is considerable research needed to improve understanding and management of crown-of-thorns sea stars on the Great Barrier Reef, the predominance of certain themes and topics suggests a major focus for new research while also providing a roadmap to guide future research efforts.
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Byrne M, Minchin D, Clements M, Deaker DJ. The Waiting Stage, Prolonged Residency in Nursery Habitats by Juveniles of the Predatory Sea Star Marthasterias glacialis. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 241:219-230. [PMID: 35015618 DOI: 10.1086/715843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AbstractGrowth and recruitment of the sea star Marthasterias glacialis was followed over six years in Lough Hyne, southwest Ireland. Juveniles from a 2-mm radius were found on algae at <1-2-m depth following what appeared to be gregarious larval settlement. Data from Lough Hyne and Mulroy Bay (northwest Ireland) indicated that algal habitat serves as a nursery area for juveniles of M. glacialis. Successive size frequency modes of the juveniles at Lough Hyne indicated slow growth over 6 years, to a mean radius of 20 mm. The absence of additional recruitment allowed monitoring of a discrete population. Recruits in the nursery habitat over the six years remained as waiting stage juveniles, a Peter Pan group with delayed maturity subsisting on a diet of epibionts. An initial sharp decline in numbers indicated post-settlement mortality, with subsequent decline likely due to migration to the adjacent shelly habitat, where subadult M. glacialis (30-70-mm radius) lives. In this habitat, M. glacialis preys on small bivalves and eventually joins the adult (maximum radius = 280 mm) population on open sediment, where it feeds on large bivalves. Size frequency distributions of the juveniles and adults showed growth over the six years, with the waiting stage sea stars slowly merging in size with the adult population. It appears that the supply of new individuals into the adult population may take place six or more years following settlement. Strong connectivity between life stage habitats and prolonged recruitment into the adult population may contribute to balanced exploitation of infaunal prey.
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Hart MW, Guerra VI, Allen JD, Byrne M. Cloning and Selfing Affect Population Genetic Variation in Simulations of Outcrossing, Sexual Sea Stars. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 241:286-302. [PMID: 35015625 DOI: 10.1086/717293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AbstractMany sea stars are well known for facultative or obligate asexual reproduction in both the adult and larval life-cycle stages. Some species and lineages are also capable of facultative or obligate hermaphroditic reproduction with self-fertilization. However, models of population genetic variation and empirical analyses of genetic data typically assume only sexual reproduction and outcrossing. A recent reanalysis of previously published empirical data (microsatellite genotypes) from two studies of one of the most well-known sea star species (the crown-of-thorns sea star; Acanthaster sp.) concluded that cloning and self-fertilization in that species are rare and contribute little to patterns of population genetic variation. Here we reconsider that conclusion by simulating the contribution of cloning and selfing to genetic variation in a series of models of sea star demography. Simulated variation in two simple models (analogous to previous analyses of empirical data) was consistent with high rates of cloning or selfing or both. More realistic scenarios that characterize population flux in sea stars of ecological significance, including outbreaks of crown-of-thorns sea stars that devastate coral reefs, invasions by Asterias amurensis, and epizootics of sea star wasting disease that kill Pisaster ochraceus, also showed significant but smaller effects of cloning and selfing on variation within subpopulations and differentiation between subpopulations. Future models or analyses of genetic variation in similar study systems might benefit from simulation modeling to characterize possible contributions of cloning or selfing to genetic variation in population samples or to understand the limits on inferring the effects of cloning or selfing in nature.
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Doll PC, Messmer V, Uthicke S, Doyle JR, Caballes CF, Pratchett MS. DNA-Based Detection and Patterns of Larval Settlement of the Corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star ( Acanthaster sp.). THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 241:271-285. [PMID: 35015627 DOI: 10.1086/717539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AbstractPopulation irruptions of the western Pacific crown-of-thorns sea star (Acanthaster sp.) are a perennial threat to coral reefs and may be initiated by fluctuations in reproductive or settlement success. However, the processes dictating their early life history, particularly larval settlement, remain poorly understood given limitations in sampling larvae and newly settled juveniles in the field. Here, we introduce an innovative method to measure crown-of-thorns sea star settlement, using artificial settlement collectors and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction based on crown-of-thorns sea star-specific mitochondrial DNA primers. This study demonstrated the utility of this method and explored temporal and spatial patterns of crown-of-thorns sea star settlement on the Great Barrier Reef from 2016 to 2020. Settlement varied considerably between sampling periods at Rib Reef and peaked between October 2016 and January 2017. Our results further suggest that crown-of-thorns sea star larvae readily settle in shallow reef environments, with no preferential settlement detected between depths tested (4-12 m). Substantial variation between Great Barrier Reef regions was revealed in 2019-2020, because collectors deployed on reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef were >10 times as likely to record newly settled crown-of-thorns sea stars as reefs in the northern Great Barrier Reef near Lizard Island. The trends reported here add to our understanding of this critical life-history stage; however, further method validation and larger-scale studies are needed to address pertinent information gaps, such as the stock-recruitment dynamics of this species. Most importantly, fluctuations in crown-of-thorns sea star settlement can now be detected using this sampling protocol, which demonstrates its utility in heralding new and renewed population irruptions of this destructive sea star.
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Deaker DJ, Balogh R, Dworjanyn SA, Mos B, Byrne M. Echidnas of the Sea: The Defensive Behavior of Juvenile and Adult Crown-of-Thorns Sea Stars. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2021; 241:259-270. [PMID: 35015617 DOI: 10.1086/716777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AbstractCrown-of-thorns sea stars are one of the most ecologically important tropical marine invertebrates, with boom-bust population dynamics that influence the community structure of coral reefs. Although predation is likely to influence the development of population outbreaks, little is known about the defensive behavior of crown-of-thorns sea stars. Righting behavior after being overturned, a key defensive response in echinoderms, was investigated for the newly settled herbivorous juvenile, the corallivorous juvenile, and adult stages of crown-of-thorns sea stars. The average righting time of the newly settled juveniles (0.3-1.0-mm diameter) was 2.74 minutes. For the coral-eating juveniles (15-55-mm diameter), the righting time (mean = 6.24 min) was faster in larger juveniles, and the mean righting time of the adults was 6.28 minutes. During righting and in response to being lifted off of the substrate, the juveniles and adults exhibited an arm curling response, during which their arms closed over their oral side, often forming a spine ball, a feature not known for other asteroids. The righting and curling responses of the corallivorous juveniles were influenced by the presence of a natural enemy, a coral guard crab, which caused the juveniles to spend more time with their arms curled. These behaviors indicate that crown-of-thorns sea stars use their spines to protect the soft tissue of their oral side. The highly defended morphology and behavioral adaptations of crown-of-thorns sea stars are likely to have evolved as antipredator mechanisms. This points to the potential importance of predators in regulating their populations, which may have decreased in recent times due to fishing, a factor that may contribute to outbreaks.
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Uthicke S, Patel F, Petrik C, Watson SA, Karelitz SE, Lamare MD. Cross-generational response of a tropical sea urchin to global change and a selection event in a 43-month mesocosm study. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:3448-3462. [PMID: 33901341 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-term experimental investigations of transgenerational plasticity (TGP) and transgenerational acclimatization to global change are sparse in marine invertebrates. Here, we test the effect of ocean warming and acidification over a 25-month period of Echinometra sp. A sea urchins whose parents were acclimatized at ambient or one of two near-future (projected mid and end of the 21st century) climate scenarios for 18 months. Several parameters linked to performance exhibited strong effects of future ocean conditions at 9 months of age. The Ambient-Ambient group (A-A, both F0 and F1 at ambient conditions) was significantly larger (21%) and faster in righting response (31%) compared to other groups. A second set of contrasts revealed near-future scenarios caused significant negative parental carryover effects. Respiration at 9 months was depressed by 59% when parents were from near-future climate conditions, and righting response was slowed by 28%. At 10 months, a selective pathogenic mortality event led to significantly higher survival rates of A-A urchins. Differences in size and respiration measured prior to the mortality were absent after the event, while a negative parental effect on righting (29% reduction) remained. The capacity to spawn at the end of the experiment was higher in individuals with ambient parents (50%) compared to other groups (21%) suggesting persistent parental effects. Obtaining different results at different points in time illustrates the importance of longer term and multigeneration studies to investigate effects of climate change. Given some animals in all groups survived the pathogenic event and that effects on physiology (but not behavior) among groups were eliminated after the mortality, we suggest that similar events could constitute selective sweeps, allowing genetic adaptation. However, given the observed negative parental effects and reduced potential for population replenishment, it remains to be determined if selection would be sufficiently rapid to rescue this species from climate change effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Uthicke
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Frances Patel
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Chelsea Petrik
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Qld, Australia
- Mote Marine Laboratory, Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Sue-Ann Watson
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Museum of Tropical Queensland, Queensland Museum Network, Townsville, Qld, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
| | - Sam E Karelitz
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Miles D Lamare
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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31
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Bojorquez C, Feehan CJ. Laboratory-simulated marine heatwave accelerates early embryonic development in the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata at its cold range edge. INVERTEBR REPROD DEV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2021.1933222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Colette J. Feehan
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ USA
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32
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Mahony KE, Lynch SA, Egerton S, Laffan RE, Correia S, de Montaudouin X, Mesmer‐Dudons N, Freitas R, Culloty SC. Latitudinal influence on gametogenesis and host-parasite ecology in a marine bivalve model. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7029-7041. [PMID: 34141273 PMCID: PMC8207143 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction and parasites have significant impacts on marine animal populations globally. This study aimed to investigate the associative effects of host reproduction and a host-parasite interplay on a marine bivalve, along a geographic gradient of latitude. Cockles Cerastoderma edule were sampled from five European sites (54°N to 40°N), between April 2018 and October 2019. A histological survey provided data on trematode (metacercaria and sporocyst life stages), prevalence, and cockle stage of gametogenesis to assess the influence of a latitudinal gradient on both interplays. Sex ratios at the northernmost sites were skewed toward females, and spawning size was reduced at the lower latitudes. Trematode infection did not follow a latitudinal gradient. Localized site-related drivers, namely seawater temperature, varied spatially, having an impact on cockle-trematode interactions. Spawning was related to elevated temperatures at all sites. Prolonged spawning occurred at southern latitudes, where seawater temperatures were warmer. Trematode prevalence and the impact of trematodes on gametogenesis were found to be spatially variable, but not latitudinally. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the likelihood of boom and bust events in cockles, based on the latitudinal location of a population. In terms of sublethal impacts, it appeared that energy was allocated to reproduction rather than somatic growth in southern populations, with less energy allocated to reproduction in the larger, northern cockles. The demonstrated spatial trend of energy allocation indicates the potential of a temporal trend of reduced cockle growth at northern sites, as a result of warming sea temperatures. This awareness of the spatially varying drivers of populations is crucial considering the potential for these drivers/inhibitors to be exacerbated in a changing marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E. Mahony
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development CentreEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- MaREI Centre for Climate, Energy and MarineEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Sharon A. Lynch
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development CentreEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- MaREI Centre for Climate, Energy and MarineEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Sian Egerton
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development CentreEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- MaREI Centre for Climate, Energy and MarineEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Rebecca E. Laffan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development CentreEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- MaREI Centre for Climate, Energy and MarineEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Simão Correia
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAMUniversidade de AveiroAveiroPortugal
| | | | | | - Rosa Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia and CESAMUniversidade de AveiroAveiroPortugal
| | - Sarah C. Culloty
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development CentreEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
- MaREI Centre for Climate, Energy and MarineEnvironmental Research InstituteUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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Boom-bust population dynamics increase diversity in evolving competitive communities. Commun Biol 2021; 4:502. [PMID: 33893395 PMCID: PMC8065032 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The processes and mechanisms underlying the origin and maintenance of biological diversity have long been of central importance in ecology and evolution. The competitive exclusion principle states that the number of coexisting species is limited by the number of resources, or by the species’ similarity in resource use. Natural systems such as the extreme diversity of unicellular life in the oceans provide counter examples. It is known that mathematical models incorporating population fluctuations can lead to violations of the exclusion principle. Here we use simple eco-evolutionary models to show that a certain type of population dynamics, boom-bust dynamics, can allow for the evolution of much larger amounts of diversity than would be expected with stable equilibrium dynamics. Boom-bust dynamics are characterized by long periods of almost exponential growth (boom) and a subsequent population crash due to competition (bust). When such ecological dynamics are incorporated into an evolutionary model that allows for adaptive diversification in continuous phenotype spaces, desynchronization of the boom-bust cycles of coexisting species can lead to the maintenance of high levels of diversity. Michael Doebeli et al. introduce a discrete-time competition model with multi-dimensional evolving phenotypes to explore the effect of boom-bust population dynamics on the evolution of diversity. Their models show that long periods of near-exponential growth, followed by a population crash due to competition, can lead to the origin and maintenance of high levels of diversity in competitive communities.
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34
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Sherman S, Chen W, Blewett TA, Smith S, Middleton E, Garman E, Schlekat C, McGeer JC. Complexation reduces nickel toxicity to purple sea urchin embryos (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), a test of biotic ligand principles in seawater. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 216:112156. [PMID: 33823367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential for Ni toxicity in seawater is of concern because of mining and processing activities in coastal regions. Determining Ni speciation is vital to understanding and predicting Ni toxicity and for bioavailability-based nickel risk assessment. The goal of this study was to characterize the complexation of Ni in relation to toxicity using embryological development of purple sea urchin (S. purpuratus). It was predicted that free ion [Ni2+] would be a better predictor of toxicity than total dissolved Ni concentrations (NiD). Synthetic ligands with known logKf values (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), tryptophan (TRP), glutamic acid (GA), histidine (HD), and citric acid (CA)) were used to test the assumptions of the biotic ligand model (BLM) for Ni in seawater. [NiD] was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) and Ni2+ was first quantified using the ion-exchange technique (IET) and then concentrations were measured by GFAAS; [Ni2+] was also estimated using aquatic geochemistry modelling software (Visual Minteq). The mean EC50 values for [NiD] in unmodified artificial seawater control was 3.6 µM (95% CI 3.0-4.5) [211 µg/L 95% CI 176-264] and the addition of ligands provided protection, up to 6.5-fold higher [NiD] EC50 for EDTA. Compared to the control, measured EC50 values based on total dissolved nickel were higher in the presence of ligands. As predicted by BLM theory, [Ni2+] was a better predictor of Ni toxicity with 17% variability in EDTA and CA media while there was 72% variability in the prediction of Ni toxicity with total dissolved Ni. The results of this research provide support for the application of BLM- based prediction models for estimating Ni impacts in seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sherman
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - W Chen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - T A Blewett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - S Smith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - J C McGeer
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
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35
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Rogers A, Hamel JF, Quetzal J, Mercier A. Unique reproductive biology of the broadcasting sea cucumber Holothuria floridana: facultative recruitment on adults inside nursery grounds. INVERTEBR REPROD DEV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/07924259.2021.1900936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arlenie Rogers
- University of Belize Environmental Research Institute, University of Belize, Belmopan City, Belize
| | - Jean-François Hamel
- Society for the Exploration and Valuing of the Environment (SEVE), St. Philips (Newfoundland), Canada
| | - Junior Quetzal
- Biology Program, Faculty of Science & Technology, University of Belize, Belmopan City, Belize
| | - Annie Mercier
- Department of Ocean Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's (Newfoundland), Canada
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36
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Melroy LM, Cohen CS. Temporal and spatial variation in population structure among brooding sea stars in the genus Leptasterias. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:3313-3331. [PMID: 33841786 PMCID: PMC8019026 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal genetic studies of low-dispersing organisms are rare. Marine invertebrates lacking a planktonic larval stage are expected to have lower dispersal, low gene flow, and a higher potential for local adaptation than organisms with planktonic dispersal. Leptasterias is a genus of brooding sea stars containing several cryptic species complexes. Population genetic methods were used to resolve patterns of fine-scale population structure in central California Leptasterias species using three loci from nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Historic samples (collected between 1897 and 1998) were compared to contemporary samples (collected between 2008 and 2014) to delineate changes in species distributions in space and time. Phylogenetic analysis of contemporary samples confirmed the presence of a bay-localized clade and revealed the presence of an additional bay-localized and previously undescribed clade of Leptasterias. Analysis of contemporary and historic samples indicates two clades are experiencing a constriction in their southern range limit and suggests a decrease in clade-specific abundance at sites at which they were once prevalent. Historic sampling revealed a dramatically different distribution of diversity along the California coastline compared to contemporary sampling and illustrates the importance of temporal genetic sampling in phylogeographic studies. These samples were collected prior to significant impacts of Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) and represent an in-depth analysis of genetic structure over 117 years prior to the SSWD-associated mass die-off of Leptasterias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Melroy
- Department of BiologyEstuary & Ocean Science CenterSan Francisco State UniversityTiburonCAUSA
| | - C. Sarah Cohen
- Department of BiologyEstuary & Ocean Science CenterSan Francisco State UniversityTiburonCAUSA
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37
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Brocco French KI, Allen JD. Cannibalism of newly metamorphosed juvenile sea stars. Ecology 2021; 102:e03352. [PMID: 33772769 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karina Inge Brocco French
- Department of Biology, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, 540 Landrum Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23187, USA
| | - Jonathan D Allen
- Department of Biology, Integrated Science Center, William & Mary, 540 Landrum Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23187, USA
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38
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Satoh N, Kinjo K, Shintaku K, Kezuka D, Ishimori H, Yokokura A, Hagiwara K, Hisata K, Kawamitsu M, Koizumi K, Shinzato C, Zayasu Y. Color morphs of the coral, Acropora tenuis, show different responses to environmental stress and different expression profiles of fluorescent-protein genes. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2021; 11:jkab018. [PMID: 33621334 PMCID: PMC8022974 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Corals of the family Acroporidae are key structural components of reefs that support the most diverse marine ecosystems. Due to increasing anthropogenic stresses, coral reefs are in decline. Along the coast of Okinawa, Japan, three different color morphs of Acropora tenuis have been recognized for decades. These include brown (N morph), yellow green (G), and purple (P) forms. The tips of axial polyps of each morph exhibit specific fluorescence spectra. This attribute is inherited asexually, and color morphs do not change seasonally. In Okinawa Prefecture, during the summer of 2017, N and P morphs experienced bleaching, in which many N morphs died. Dinoflagellates (Symbiodiniaceae) are essential partners of scleractinian corals, and photosynthetic activity of symbionts was reduced in N and P morphs. In contrast, G morphs successfully withstood the stress. Examination of the clade and type of Symbiodiniaceae indicated that the three color-morphs host similar sets of Clade-C symbionts, suggesting that beaching of N and P morphs is unlikely attributable to differences in the clade of Symbiodiniaceae the color morphs hosted. Fluorescent proteins play pivotal roles in physiological regulation of corals. Since the A. tenuis genome has been decoded, we identified five genes for green fluorescent proteins (GFPs), two for cyan fluorescent proteins (CFPs), three for red fluorescent proteins (RFPs), and seven genes for chromoprotein (ChrP). A summer survey of gene expression profiles under outdoor aquarium conditions demonstrated that (a) expression of CFP and REP was quite low during the summer in all three morphs, (b) P morphs expressed higher levels of ChrP than N and G morphs, (c) both N and G morphs expressed GFP more highly than P morphs, and (d) GFP expression in N morphs was reduced during summer whereas G morphs maintained high levels of GFP expression throughout the summer. Although further studies are required to understand the biological significance of these color morphs of A. tenuis, our results suggest that thermal stress resistance is modified by genetic mechanisms that coincidentally lead to diversification of color morphs of this coral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Koji Kinjo
- Umino-Tane Co. Ltd, Okinawa 905-0888, Japan
| | - Kohei Shintaku
- IDEA Consultants, Inc., Okinawa Branch Office, Okinawa 900-0003, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kezuka
- IDEA Consultants, Inc., Okinawa Branch Office, Okinawa 900-0003, Japan
| | - Hiroo Ishimori
- IDEA Consultants, Inc., Okinawa Branch Office, Okinawa 900-0003, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yokokura
- IDEA Consultants, Inc., Institute of Environmental Informatics, Kanagawa 224-0025, Japan
| | | | - Kanako Hisata
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Mayumi Kawamitsu
- DNA Sequencing Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Koji Koizumi
- Imaging Section, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Chuya Shinzato
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - Yuna Zayasu
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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Gall ML, Holmes SP, Campbell H, Byrne M. Effects of marine heatwave conditions across the metamorphic transition to the juvenile sea urchin (Heliocidaris erythrogramma). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111914. [PMID: 33385800 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
For short development species, like the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma, the entire planktonic duration can be impacted by marine heatwaves (MHW). Developmental thermal tolerance of this species through metamorphosis was investigated over a broad range (7.6-28.0 °C), including temperatures across its distribution and MHW conditions. In controls (19.5-21.0 °C), 80% of individuals developed to metamorphosis at day 5, doubling to 10 days at 14.0 °C. The thermal range (14.4-21.2 °C) of metamorphosis on day 7 reflected the realised thermal niche with 25.9 °C the upper temperature for success (T40). By day 10, juvenile tolerance narrowed to the local range (16.2-19.0 °C), similar to levels tolerated by adults, indicating negative carryover effects across the metamorphic transition. Without phenotypic adjustment or adaptation, regional warming will be detrimental, although populations may be sustained by thermotolerant offspring. Our results show the importance of the metamorphic transition in understanding the cumulative sensitivity of species to MHW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mailie L Gall
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
| | - Sebastian P Holmes
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales 2751, Australia
| | - Hamish Campbell
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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Devens HR, Davidson PL, Deaker DJ, Smith KE, Wray GA, Byrne M. Ocean acidification induces distinct transcriptomic responses across life history stages of the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4618-4636. [PMID: 33002253 PMCID: PMC8994206 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA) from seawater uptake of rising carbon dioxide emissions impairs development in marine invertebrates, particularly in calcifying species. Plasticity in gene expression is thought to mediate many of these physiological effects, but how these responses change across life history stages remains unclear. The abbreviated lecithotrophic development of the sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma provides a valuable opportunity to analyse gene expression responses across a wide range of life history stages, including the benthic, post-metamorphic juvenile. We measured the transcriptional response to OA in H. erythrogramma at three stages of the life cycle (embryo, larva, and juvenile) in a controlled breeding design. The results reveal a broad range of strikingly stage-specific impacts of OA on transcription, including changes in the number and identity of affected genes; the magnitude, sign, and variance of their expression response; and the developmental trajectory of expression. The impact of OA on transcription was notably modest in relation to gene expression changes during unperturbed development and much smaller than genetic contributions from parentage. The latter result suggests that natural populations may provide an extensive genetic reservoir of resilience to OA. Taken together, these results highlight the complexity of the molecular response to OA, its substantial life history stage specificity, and the importance of contextualizing the transcriptional response to pH stress in light of normal development and standing genetic variation to better understand the capacity for marine invertebrates to adapt to OA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dione J Deaker
- School of Life and Environmental Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn E Smith
- The Laboratory, The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, UK
| | - Gregory A Wray
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Life and Environmental Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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41
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Matthews SA, Mellin C, Pratchett MS. Larval connectivity and water quality explain spatial distribution of crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks across the Great Barrier Reef. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:223-258. [PMID: 33293012 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Outbreaks of the coral eating crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthasts cf. solaris) occur in cyclical waves along the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), contributing significantly to the decline in hard coral cover over the past 30 years. One main difficulty faced by scientists and managers alike, is understanding the relative importance of contributing factors to COTS outbreaks such as increased nutrients and water quality, larval connectivity, fishing pressure, and abiotic conditions. We analysed COTS abundances from the most recent outbreak (2010-2018) using both boosted regression trees and generalised additive models to identify key predictors of COTS outbreaks. We used this approach to predict the suitability of each reef on the GBR for COTS outbreaks at three different levels: (1) reefs with COTS present intermittently (Presence); (2) reefs with COTS widespread and present in most samples and (Prevalence) (3) reefs experiencing outbreak levels of COTS (Outbreak). We also compared the utility of two auto-covariates accounting for spatial autocorrelation among observations, built using weighted inverse distance and weighted larval connectivity to reefs supporting COTS populations, respectively. Boosted regression trees (BRT) and generalised additive mixed models (GAMM) were combined in an ensemble model to reduce the effect of model uncertainty on predictions of COTS presence, prevalence and outbreaks. Our results from best performing models indicate that temperature (Degree Heating Week exposure: relative importance=13.1%) and flood plume exposure (13.0%) are the best predictors of COTS presence, variability in chlorophyll concentration (12.6%) and flood plume exposure (8.2%) best predicted COTS prevalence and larval connectivity potential (22.7%) and minimum sea surface temperature (8.0%) are the best predictors of COTS outbreaks. Whether the reef was open or closed to fishing, however, had no significant effect on either COTS presence, prevalence or outbreaks in BRT results (<0.5%). We identified major hotspots of COTS activity primarily on the mid shelf central GBR and on the southern Swains reefs. This study provides the first empirical comparison of the major hypotheses of COTS outbreaks and the first validated predictions of COTS outbreak potential at the GBR scale incorporating connectivity, nutrients, biophysical and spatial variables, providing a useful aid to management of this pest species on the GBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Matthews
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
| | - C Mellin
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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Guillam M, Bessin C, Blanchet-Aurigny A, Cugier P, Nicolle A, Thiébaut É, Comtet T. Vertical distribution of brittle star larvae in two contrasting coastal embayments: implications for larval transport. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12033. [PMID: 32694630 PMCID: PMC7374168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68750-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of marine invertebrate larvae to control their vertical position shapes their dispersal pattern. In species characterized by large variations in population density, like many echinoderm species, larval dispersal may contribute to outbreak and die-off phenomena. A proliferation of the ophiuroid Ophiocomina nigra was observed for several years in western Brittany (France), inducing drastic changes on the benthic communities. We here studied the larval vertical distribution in this species and two co-occurring ophiuroid species, Ophiothrix fragilis and Amphiura filiformis, in two contrasting hydrodynamic environments: stratified in the bay of Douarnenez and well-mixed in the bay of Brest. Larvae were collected at 3 depths during 25 h within each bay. In the bay of Brest, all larvae were evenly distributed in the water column due to the intense vertical mixing. Conversely, in the bay of Douarnenez, a diel vertical migration was observed for O. nigra, with a night ascent of young larvae, and ontogenetic differences. These different patterns in the two bays mediate the effects of tidal currents on larval fluxes. O. fragilis larvae were mainly distributed above the thermocline which may favour larval retention within the bay, while A. filiformis larvae, mostly concentrated near the bottom, were preferentially exported. This study highlighted the complex interactions between coastal hydrodynamics and specific larval traits, e.g. larval morphology, in the control of larval vertical distribution and larval dispersal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Guillam
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Laboratoire Adaptation Et Diversité en Milieu Marin, ADMM, CS90074, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France.
| | - Claire Bessin
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Laboratoire Adaptation Et Diversité en Milieu Marin, ADMM, CS90074, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France
| | - Aline Blanchet-Aurigny
- Ifremer, Centre de Bretagne, Département Dynamiques des Ecosystèmes Côtiers (DYNECO), Laboratoire d'Ecologie Benthique Côtière (LEBCO), Technopole Brest Iroise, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Philippe Cugier
- Ifremer, Centre de Bretagne, Département Dynamiques des Ecosystèmes Côtiers (DYNECO), Laboratoire d'Ecologie Benthique Côtière (LEBCO), Technopole Brest Iroise, CS 10070, 29280, Plouzané, France
| | - Amandine Nicolle
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Laboratoire Adaptation Et Diversité en Milieu Marin, ADMM, CS90074, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France.,ENSTA Bretagne, Pôle STIC/OSM, 2 rue François Verny, 29806, Brest Cedex 9, France
| | - Éric Thiébaut
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Laboratoire Adaptation Et Diversité en Milieu Marin, ADMM, CS90074, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France
| | - Thierry Comtet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Station Biologique de Roscoff, Laboratoire Adaptation Et Diversité en Milieu Marin, ADMM, CS90074, 29688, Roscoff Cedex, France
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Deaker DJ, Mos B, Lin HA, Lawson C, Budden C, Dworjanyn SA, Byrne M. Diet flexibility and growth of the early herbivorous juvenile crown-of-thorns sea star, implications for its boom-bust population dynamics. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236142. [PMID: 32687524 PMCID: PMC7371202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecology of the early herbivorous juvenile stage of the crown-of-thorns sea star (COTS, Acanthaster spp.) is poorly understood, yet the success of this life stage is key to generating population outbreaks that devastate coral reefs. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) has been considered to be the main diet of herbivorous juveniles. In this study, we show that COTS can avail of a range of algal food. Juveniles were reared on CCA, Amphiroa sp., and biofilm, and survived for 10 months on all three diets. The juveniles fed CCA and Amphiroa sp. reached 15–16.5 mm diameter at ~ 6 months and maintained this size for the rest the experiment (an additional ~4 months). Juveniles fed biofilm grew more slowly and to a smaller maximum size (~3 mm diameter). However, when juveniles were switched from biofilm to CCA they resumed growth to a new asymptotic size (~13.5 mm, 13–20 months). In diet choice experiments, juveniles did not show a preference between Amphiroa sp. and CCA, but generally avoided biofilm. Our results show that juvenile COTS grew equally well on CCA and Amphiroa sp. and can subsist on biofilm for months. Some juveniles, mostly from the biofilm diet treatment, decreased in size for a time and this was followed by recovery. Flexibility in diet, growth, and prolonged maintenance of asymptotic size indicates capacity for growth plasticity in herbivorous juvenile COTS. There is potential for juvenile COTS to persist for longer than anticipated and increase in number as they wait for the opportunity to avail of coral prey. These findings complicate our ability to predict recruitment to the corallivorous stage and population outbreaks following larval settlement and the ability to understand the age structure of COTS populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dione J. Deaker
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Benjamin Mos
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huang-An Lin
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Corinne Lawson
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Budden
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Symon A. Dworjanyn
- National Marine Science Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Byrne
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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44
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Trackenberg SN, Richardson EL, Allen JD. Effects of embryo energy, egg size, and larval food supply on the development of asteroid echinoderms. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:7839-7850. [PMID: 32760568 PMCID: PMC7391326 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms have limited resources available to invest in reproduction, causing a trade-off between the number and size of offspring. One consequence of this trade-off is the evolution of disparate egg sizes and, by extension, developmental modes. In particular, echinoid echinoderms (sea urchins and sand dollars) have been widely used to experimentally manipulate how changes in egg size affect development. Here, we test the generality of the echinoid results by (a) using laser ablations of blastomeres to experimentally reduce embryo energy in the asteroid echinoderms (sea stars), Pisaster ochraceus and Asterias forbesi and (b) comparing naturally produced, variably sized eggs (1.7-fold volume difference between large and small eggs) in A. forbesi. In P. ochraceus and A. forbesi, there were no significant differences between juveniles from both experimentally reduced embryos and naturally produced eggs of variable size. However, in both embryo reduction and egg size variation experiments, simultaneous reductions in larval food had a significant and large effect on larval and juvenile development. These results indicate that (a) food levels are more important than embryo energy or egg size in determining larval and juvenile quality in sea stars and (b) the relative importance of embryo energy or egg size to fundamental life history parameters (time to and size at metamorphosis) does not appear to be consistent within echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy N. Trackenberg
- Biology DepartmentWilliam & MaryWilliamsburgVirginiaUSA
- Department of BiologyEast Carolina UniversityGreenvilleNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Emily L. Richardson
- Biology DepartmentWilliam & MaryWilliamsburgVirginiaUSA
- School of Biological SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
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45
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Lee YH, Jeong CB, Wang M, Hagiwara A, Lee JS. Transgenerational acclimation to changes in ocean acidification in marine invertebrates. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:111006. [PMID: 32275552 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The rapid pace of increasing oceanic acidity poses a major threat to the fitness of the marine ecosystem, as well as the buffering capacity of the oceans. Disruption in chemical equilibrium in the ocean leads to decreased carbonate ion precipitation, resulting in calcium carbonate saturation. If these trends continue, calcifying invertebrates will experience difficultly maintaining their calcium carbonate exoskeleton and shells. Because malfunction of exoskeleton formation by calcifiers in response to ocean acidification (OA) will have non-canonical biological cascading results in the marine ecosystem, many studies have investigated the direct and indirect consequences of OA on ecosystem- and physiology-related traits of marine invertebrates. Considering that evolutionary adaptation to OA depends on the duration of OA effects, long-term exposure to OA stress over multi-generations may result in adaptive mechanisms that increase the potential fitness of marine invertebrates in response to OA. Transgenerational studies have the potential to elucidate the roles of acclimation, carryover effects, and evolutionary adaptation within and over generations in response to OA. In particular, understanding mechanisms of transgenerational responses (e.g., antioxidant responses, metabolic changes, epigenetic reprogramming) to changes in OA will enhance our understanding of marine invertebrate in response to rapid climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hwan Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea; Department of Marine Science, College of Nature Science, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, South Korea
| | - Minghua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science/College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 36110, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Coastal Ecology and Environmental Studies, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Atsushi Hagiwara
- Institute of Integrated Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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46
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Gizzi F, Jiménez J, Schäfer S, Castro N, Costa S, Lourenço S, José R, Canning-Clode J, Monteiro J. Before and after a disease outbreak: Tracking a keystone species recovery from a mass mortality event. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 156:104905. [PMID: 32174333 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mass mortality events involving marine taxa are increasing worldwide. The long-spined sea urchin Diadema africanum is considered a keystone herbivore species in the northeastern Atlantic due to its control over the abundance and distribution of algae. After a first registered mass mortality in 2009, another event off the coasts of Madeira archipelago affected this ecologically important species in summer 2018. This study documented the 2018 D. africanum mass mortality event, and the progress of its populations on the southern coast of Madeira island. A citizen science survey was designed targeting marine stakeholders to understand the extent and intensity of the event around the archipelago. Underwater surveys on population density prior, during and after the mass mortality, permitted an evaluation of the severity and magnitude of the event as well as urchin population recovery. A preliminary assessment of causative agents of the mortality was performed. The event was reported in the principal islands of the archipelago reducing the populations up to 90%. However, a fast recovery was registered during the following months, suggesting that the reproductive success was not compromised. Microbiological analyses in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, during and after the event, was not conclusive. Nevertheless, the bacteria Aeromonas salmonicida, or the gram-negative bacteria, or the interaction of different types of bacteria may be responsible for the disease outbreak. Further studies are needed to assess the role of pathogens in sea urchin mass mortalities and the compound effects that sea urchins have in local habitats and ecological functioning of coastal marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gizzi
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Jesús Jiménez
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Susanne Schäfer
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; GEOMAR, Marine Ecology Department, Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Nuno Castro
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Sónia Costa
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; OOM/ARDITI, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação, Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
| | - Silvia Lourenço
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Politécnico de Leiria, Edifício CETEMARES, Av. Porto de Pesca, 2520 - 630, Peniche, Portugal; CIIMAR, Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Universidade do Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208, Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - Ricardo José
- Direcção Regional de Pescas, Centro de Maricultura da Calheta, Av. D. Manuel I, 9370-133, Calheta, Portugal.
| | - João Canning-Clode
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal; Centre of IMAR of the University of the Azores, Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, Rua Prof. Dr. Frederico Machado, 4, PT-9901-862, Horta, Azores, Portugal; Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD, 21037, USA.
| | - João Monteiro
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação, Tecnologia e Inovação (ARDITI), Edifício Madeira Tecnopolo, Caminho da Penteada, 9020-105, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
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47
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Nam SE, Park HS, Rhee JS. Complete mitochondrial genome of the crinoid echinoderm, Florometra species (Echinodermata, Crinoidea). MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES 2020; 5:852-853. [PMID: 33366781 PMCID: PMC7748595 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1717390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we report the sequence of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the crinoid echinoderm, Florometra species (Echinodermata, Crinoidea). The complete mitogenome of Florometra sp. was 15,792 base pairs long and was composed of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and three regions of unassigned sequence (UAS) including one putative control region. Unique nucleotide composition, a clear positive bias for T with an apparent loss of C in PCGs as observed in the Crinoidea mitogenomes, was also seen in the Florometra sp. mitogenome (45% T, 12% C). Phylogenetic analysis with the concatenated nucleotide sequences of entire PCGs of echinoderms confirmed that Florometra sp. is highly related to F. serratissima within the family Crinoidea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Nam
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Hyoung Sook Park
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea.,Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Rhee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea.,Research Institute of Basic Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon, South Korea
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48
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Matthews SA, Shoemaker K, Pratchett MS, Mellin C. COTSMod: A spatially explicit metacommunity model of outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish and coral recovery. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2020; 87:259-290. [PMID: 33293013 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Outbreaks of the Pacific crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster cf. solaris) have been responsible for 40% of the decline in coral cover on the GBR over the last 35 years. With the intensity and frequency of bleaching and cyclonic disturbances increasing, effectively managing these outbreaks may allow reefs an opportunity to recover from these cumulative impacts. Significant research effort has been directed toward developing regional scale models for COTS outbreaks, but these have yet to be fit explicitly to long term time series at the scale of the entire GBR, nor do previous research efforts incorporate explicit estimates of cumulative disturbance history. We developed a stage-based metapopulation model for COTS at a 1×1km resolution using long-term time series and modelled estimates of COTS larval connectivity, nutrient concentrations and important vital rates estimated from the literature. We coupled this metapopulation model to an existing spatially explicit model of coral cover growth, disturbance and recovery across the GBR from 1996 to 2017 to create a metacommunity model. Our results were validated against a spatially and temporally extensive dataset of COTS and coral cover across the GBR, predicting an average coral decline of 1.3% p.a. across the GBR, and accurately recreating coral cover trajectories (mean prediction error=7.1%) and COTS outbreak classification (accuracy=80%). Sensitivity analyses revealed that overall model accuracy was most sensitive to larval predation (boosted regression tree; relative importance=46.7%) and two parameters defining juvenile density dependent mortality (21.5% and 17.5%). The COTS model underestimated peak COTS densities particularly in the Swains and Townsville sectors of the reef, while overestimating COTS density during non-outbreak years. A better understanding of inter-annual variability in larval connectivity, and regionally variable density dependence for adult COTS life stages may improve model fit during these extreme outbreak events. Our model provides a platform to develop upon, and with improvements to estimates of larval connectivity and larval predation could be used to simulate the effects of implementing varying combinations of COTS interventions. This research highlights the importance of the early life history stages of COTS as drivers of outbreak dynamics, emphasizing the need for further empirical research to estimate these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Matthews
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia; Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, QLD, Australia.
| | - K Shoemaker
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada Reno, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Morgan S Pratchett
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - C Mellin
- The Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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49
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Yeruham E, Shpigel M, Abelson A, Rilov G. Ocean warming and tropical invaders erode the performance of a key herbivore. Ecology 2019; 101:e02925. [DOI: 10.1002/ecy.2925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Yeruham
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research National Institute of Oceanography P.O. Box 8030 Haifa 31080 Israel
- Marine Biology Department Charney School of Marine Science University of Haifa Haifa 3498838 Israel
| | - M. Shpigel
- The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat P.O. Box 469 Eilat 88103 Israel
- Morris Kahn Marine Research Station Department of Marine Biology Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences University of Haifa Haifa 3498838 Israel
| | - A. Abelson
- School of Zoology The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
| | - G. Rilov
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research National Institute of Oceanography P.O. Box 8030 Haifa 31080 Israel
- Marine Biology Department Charney School of Marine Science University of Haifa Haifa 3498838 Israel
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50
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Guerra V, Haynes G, Byrne M, Yasuda N, Adachi S, Nakamura M, Nakachi S, Hart MW. Nonspecific expression of fertilization genes in the crown-of-thorns Acanthaster cf. solaris: Unexpected evidence of hermaphroditism in a coral reef predator. Mol Ecol 2019; 29:363-379. [PMID: 31837059 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of gene expression in gametes has advanced our understanding of the molecular basis for ecological variation in reproductive success and the evolution of reproductive isolation. These advances are especially significant for ecologically important keystone predators such as the coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea stars (COTS, Acanthaster) which are the most influential predator species in Indo-Pacific coral reef ecosystems and the focus of intensive management efforts. We used RNA-seq and transcriptome assemblies to characterize the expression of genes in mature COTS gonads. We described the sequence and domain organization of eight genes with sex-specific expression and well known functions in fertilization in other echinoderms. We found unexpected expression of genes in one ovary transcriptome that are characteristic of males and sperm, including genes that encode the sperm-specific guanylate cyclase receptor for an egg pheromone, and the sperm acrosomal protein bindin. In a reassembly of previously published RNA-seq data from COTS testes, we found a complementary pattern: strong expression of four genes that are otherwise well known to encode egg-specific fertilization proteins, including the egg receptor for bindin (EBR1) and the acrosome reaction-inducing substance in the egg coat (ARIS1, ARIS2, ARIS3). We also found histological evidence of both eggs and sperm developing in the same gonad in several COTS individuals from a parallel study. These results suggest the occurrence of hermaphrodites, and the potential for reproductive assurance via self-fertilization. Our findings have implications for management of COTS populations, especially in consideration of the large size and massive fecundity of these sea stars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Guerra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,Department of Invertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gwilym Haynes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,Department of Biology, Langara College, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria Byrne
- Schools of Medical and Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nina Yasuda
- Department of Marine Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Souta Adachi
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University, Shimizu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masako Nakamura
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Tokai University, Shimizu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | | - Michael W Hart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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