Abstract
Sponges (Porifera) and mangroves (Rhizophoraceae) have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship: the mangrove provides a stable habitat for the sponge and carbon needed for sponge growth, while the sponge provides inorganic nitrogen necessary for mangrove development. Understanding the relationship between these species is important because this relationship allows both to grow faster and thrive in their environment. This study used photographs of quadrats framing the target species to investigate the percent coverage of Porifera on mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) roots in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida. It was expected that there would be a higher percent cover of Porifera at the bottom of the root in comparison to the top of the root. This was expected because mangroves provide a protected environment free from wave action and wind. An analysis was done of the different attached organisms on the roots, including sponge and algae. The results showed that the upper mangrove roots had a sponge coverage of 1.5% and 16.17% algae coverage, while the lower mangrove roots had a sponge coverage of 3.0% and 24.83% algae coverage. A GLM analysis showed a significant difference in Porifera cover between the upper and lower zones, with a p-value of 0.0013. The resulting significance supported the initial hypothesis. However, an unexpected result was a higher percent coverage of algae on the mangrove roots. This result allows for the opportunity for further research into the relationship between algae and mangroves, as well as its role within the ecosystem.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Rosanna Milligan
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-2-2025 12:30 PM
End Date
4-3-2025 12:00 AM
Percent Cover of Porifera Species on Red Mangrove Roots in Key Largo
Alvin Sherman Library
Sponges (Porifera) and mangroves (Rhizophoraceae) have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship: the mangrove provides a stable habitat for the sponge and carbon needed for sponge growth, while the sponge provides inorganic nitrogen necessary for mangrove development. Understanding the relationship between these species is important because this relationship allows both to grow faster and thrive in their environment. This study used photographs of quadrats framing the target species to investigate the percent coverage of Porifera on mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) roots in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida. It was expected that there would be a higher percent cover of Porifera at the bottom of the root in comparison to the top of the root. This was expected because mangroves provide a protected environment free from wave action and wind. An analysis was done of the different attached organisms on the roots, including sponge and algae. The results showed that the upper mangrove roots had a sponge coverage of 1.5% and 16.17% algae coverage, while the lower mangrove roots had a sponge coverage of 3.0% and 24.83% algae coverage. A GLM analysis showed a significant difference in Porifera cover between the upper and lower zones, with a p-value of 0.0013. The resulting significance supported the initial hypothesis. However, an unexpected result was a higher percent coverage of algae on the mangrove roots. This result allows for the opportunity for further research into the relationship between algae and mangroves, as well as its role within the ecosystem.
Comments
Multimedia Presentation