“Coral larvae adapt to high temperatures by reducing metabolism and increasing nitrogen uptake, study finds”

The study published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology sheds light on how coral larvae adapt to high temperatures to resist bleaching, a phenomenon that occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae due to stress. Led by Ariana S. Huffmyer from the University of Washington, the research team conducted experiments at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology to investigate the effects of elevated temperatures on coral larvae.

During the study, coral larvae were exposed to temperatures 2.5 degrees Celsius above normal for three days in their first week of development. Despite the heat stress, the coral larvae did not show signs of bleaching and were able to maintain their relationship with the algal symbionts. The researchers observed a 19% reduction in coral metabolism, indicating that the larvae were conserving energy to cope with the stress. Additionally, there was an increase in nitrogen uptake and storage by the coral, suggesting a strategy to limit the availability of nitrogen to the algae and prevent overgrowth.

The findings highlight the importance of nutrient exchange between corals and algae in helping corals withstand environmental stress. By adjusting their metabolism and nutrient uptake, coral larvae can enhance their chances of survival in high-temperature conditions. However, the long-term effectiveness of these strategies and their implications for coral resilience remain uncertain.

Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying coral responses to high temperatures and to assess the sustainability of these adaptive strategies. Understanding how coral larvae cope with stress can provide valuable insights for conservation efforts aimed at protecting coral reefs in the face of climate change.

The authors emphasize the significance of investing in the nutritional partnership between corals and algae to enhance resilience against bleaching. By unraveling the intricacies of coral-algae interactions, scientists can develop targeted strategies to safeguard coral ecosystems in a warming world.