The Daily Bulletin Archive

Please join the Biology Department for the seminar "Coral-Algal Symbioses," presented by Mary Alice Coffroth, professor with the Graduate Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior in the University of Buffalo's Department of Geology, on Friday, March 4, at 2:00 p.m. in Bulger Communication Center East.

All faculty, staff, and students are welcome.

Seminar Abstract
The symbiosis between algal symbionts within the genus Symbiodinium and corals form the basis of one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth—the coral reef. In the face of extensive reef degradation due to global warming and other anthropogenic effects, understanding the dynamics of this mutualism is critical. Although there is variation in the symbiont type(s) initially acquired by these cnidarian hosts, as the symbiosis develops, specific host-symbiont pairings become apparent in most host species. Knowledge of the dynamics in the ontogeny of these symbioses will enable us to predict the effects of increased sea surface temperatures and other perturbations to the reef ecosystem. In this study, we examined the role of various factors (environment, host genotype, etc.) in the establishment of symbioses in cnidarian species to contribute to the understanding of the drivers of this selection.