Vulnerability of Deep Sea Corals to Environmental Change
Author Information
Author(s): Karen J. Miller, Ashley A. Rowden, Alan Williams, Vreni Häussermann, Steven J. Bograd
Primary Institution: Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania
Hypothesis
Are isolated deep populations of the coral Desmophyllum dianthus highly vulnerable to environmental change?
Conclusion
Deep populations of the coral Desmophyllum dianthus are unlikely to colonize shallow waters as the aragonite saturation horizon rises, indicating they are highly vulnerable to environmental change.
Supporting Evidence
- Genetic subdivision was found among populations in SE Australia, New Zealand, and Chile.
- Corals from different depth strata were strongly differentiated, indicating limited vertical larval dispersal.
- Future environmental management strategies must consider the isolation of deep-sea coral populations.
Takeaway
Deep sea corals might not be able to move to shallower waters as their habitat changes, which could put them at risk.
Methodology
DNA sequence data from three regions were analyzed to assess gene flow among populations of Desmophyllum dianthus.
Limitations
Limited replication across all spatial scales and for all gene regions.
Participant Demographics
Samples were collected from SE Australia, New Zealand, and Chile across different depth strata.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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