Understanding Caribbean Gorgonian Response to Stressors from a Systems Perspective
Location
OC Auditorium
Start
4-2-2026 2:15 PM
Type of Presentation
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Despite numerous local and global environmental stressors, Caribbean gorgonians have sustained their populations over the last several decades. Stress tolerance depends on both gorgonian host and symbiont species of dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae, genus Breviolum spp.. However, we lack further specificity into symbiont identity. Species within Breviolum spp have a higher thermotolerance than other genera within Symbiodiniaceae, however this is not likely the sole reason for their survival. To understand gorgonian resilience, we built a symbiont association network to review connectivity between each gorgonian species and their symbiont. Data layers addressing various traits, resistance to dissolved copper, and thermotolerance will provide a comprehensive view of how the system works in response to prominent environmental threats. This will answer the questions: 1) How do Caribbean gorgonians respond to copper pollution and elevated seawater temperatures? And 2) Does the identity of each gorgonians hosted symbiont impact their response to these stressors?
Understanding Caribbean Gorgonian Response to Stressors from a Systems Perspective
OC Auditorium
Despite numerous local and global environmental stressors, Caribbean gorgonians have sustained their populations over the last several decades. Stress tolerance depends on both gorgonian host and symbiont species of dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae, genus Breviolum spp.. However, we lack further specificity into symbiont identity. Species within Breviolum spp have a higher thermotolerance than other genera within Symbiodiniaceae, however this is not likely the sole reason for their survival. To understand gorgonian resilience, we built a symbiont association network to review connectivity between each gorgonian species and their symbiont. Data layers addressing various traits, resistance to dissolved copper, and thermotolerance will provide a comprehensive view of how the system works in response to prominent environmental threats. This will answer the questions: 1) How do Caribbean gorgonians respond to copper pollution and elevated seawater temperatures? And 2) Does the identity of each gorgonians hosted symbiont impact their response to these stressors?