Systematic and biogeographical patterns in the reproductive biology of scleractinian corals

Baird, Andrew H., Guest, James R., and Willis, Bette L. (2009) Systematic and biogeographical patterns in the reproductive biology of scleractinian corals. Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, 40. pp. 551-571.

[img]
Preview
PDF (Published Version)
Download (959kB)
View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev.ecolsy...
 
474
4253


Abstract

A limited diversity of character states for reproductive traits and a robust phylogeny make scleractinian corals an ideal model organism with which to explore the evolution of life-history traits. Here, we explore systematic and biogeographical patterns in the reproductive biology of the Scleractinia within the context of a new molecular phylogeny and using reproductive traits from nearly 400 species. Our analyses confirm that coral sexuality is highly conserved, and mode of larval development is relatively plastic. An overabundance of species with autotrophic larvae in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic is most likely the result of increased capacity for long-distance dispersal conferred by vertical transmission of symbiotic zooxanthellae. Spawning records from diverse biogeographical regions indicate that multispecies spawning occurs in all speciose coral assemblages. A new quantitative index of spawning synchrony shows peaks at mid-tropical latitudes in the Indo-Pacific, influenced in part by two spawning seasons in many species on equatorial reefs.

Item ID: 5444
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1545-2069
Keywords: breeding systems, coral reefs, climate change, dispersal, evolution, larval development, life histories, symbiosis, synchrony, marine science
Date Deposited: 21 Oct 2009 05:46
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 4253
Last 12 Months: 144
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page