Coral‐bleaching responses to climate change across biological scales

Woesik, Robert van; Shlesinger, Tom; Grottoli, Andréa G.; Toonen, Robert J.; Thurber, Rebecca Vega; Warner, Mark E.; Hulver, Ann Marie; Chapron, Leïla; McLachlan, Rowan H.; Albright, Rebecca; Crandall, Eric D.; DeCarlo, Thomas M.; Donovan, Mary K.; Eirín‐López, José M.; Harrison, Hugo B.; Heron, Scott F.; Huang, Danwei; Humanes, Adriana; Krueger, Thomas; Madin, Joshua S.; Manzello, Derek P.; McManus, Lisa C.; Matz, Mikhail V.; Muller, Erinn M.; Rodríguez-Lanetty, Mauricio; Vega-Rodriguez, María; Voolstra, Christian R.; Zaneveld, Jesse

doi:10.1111/gcb.16192

Cited by 75 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 301 publications

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“…Despite no individual loci reaching statistical significance due to limited sample size, a predictive model incorporating symbiont identity, environmental data and polygenic scores was able to predict ~62% of the variance in bleaching intensity. Other population genetic tools such as seascape genomics have the potential to identify candidate heat associated loci (HAL) across even larger populations without prior information on phenotypes that can then be validated through assays on a subset of individuals 68 . In this approach, HAL are detected through correlation tests between allele frequencies and environmental gradients while accounting for the genetic structure of natural populations 69 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Screening for climate adaptative loci using seascape genomics resolves phenotypic variation in heat tolerance of the coral Acropora millepora.

Denis

Selmoni

Gossuin³

et al. 2022

Preprint

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One of the main challenges in coral reef conservation and restoration is the identification of coral populations resilient under global warming. Seascape genomics is a powerful tool to uncover genetic markers potentially involved in heat tolerance among large populations without prior information on phenotypes. Here, we aimed to confirm the role of several candidate heat associated loci identified using this method in driving the phenotypic response of Acropora millepora from New Caledonia to thermal stress. We subjected 7 colonies to a long-term ex-situ heat stress assay (4°C above the Maximum Monthly Mean) and investigated their physiological response along with their Symbiodiniaceae communities and genotypes. Despite having similar thermal histories and associated symbionts, these conspecific individuals differed greatly in their tolerance to heat stress. More importantly, the clustering of individuals based on their alleles at the candidate loci was able to resolve most of the phenotypic variation in heat tolerance. Colonies harboring a higher proportion of beneficial alleles sustained on average lower mortality, higher Symbiodiniaceae/chlorophyll concentrations and photosynthetic efficiency under prolonged heat stress. Together these results support the relevance of seascape genomics to reveal candidate loci for heat adaptation in corals and develop predictive models of heat tolerance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Screening for climate adaptative loci using seascape genomics resolves phenotypic variation in heat tolerance of the coral Acropora millepora.

Denis

Selmoni

Gossuin³

et al. 2022

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Coral bleaching is a highly networked biological process, which reflects the outcome of multi-level and -scale stress exposures 22 , 38 . However, how the coral heat stress response is affected by O 2 availability is not well understood, despite reefs becoming increasingly subject to deoxygenation under ocean warming—including water column stratification—and elevated biological O 2 demands 1 , 2 , 8 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deoxygenation lowers the thermal threshold of coral bleaching

Alderdice

Perna

Cárdenas

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

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Exposure to deoxygenation from climate warming and pollution is emerging as a contributing factor of coral bleaching and mortality. However, the combined effects of heating and deoxygenation on bleaching susceptibility remain unknown. Here, we employed short-term thermal stress assays to show that deoxygenated seawater can lower the thermal limit of an Acropora coral by as much as 1 °C or 0.4 °C based on bleaching index scores or dark-acclimated photosynthetic efficiencies, respectively. Using RNA-Seq, we show similar stress responses to heat with and without deoxygenated seawater, both activating putative key genes of the hypoxia-inducible factor response system indicative of cellular hypoxia. We also detect distinct deoxygenation responses, including a disruption of O2-dependent photo-reception/-protection, redox status, and activation of an immune response prior to the onset of bleaching. Thus, corals are even more vulnerable when faced with heat stress in deoxygenated waters. This highlights the need to integrate dissolved O2 measurements into global monitoring programs of coral reefs.

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“…Field stations were typically formed in areas that had lasting colonial infrastructures such as plantations (Ahmad-Gawel et al, 2021;Airhart, 2022). Field stations that were founded on these grounds enable the practice of parachute science, where scientists from higher-income nations conduct research without engaging the community through collaborations like scientific partnerships, education programs, or the sharing of data (Ahmad-Gawel et al, 2021;Airhart, 2022;van Woesik et al, 2022).…”

Section: Biosciences and Marginalized Communitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reimagining the broader impacts criterion in the NSF graduate research fellowship

2022

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For graduate students, securing prestigious fellowships provides incredible benefits such as increased job opportunities and likelihood of receiving awards. These benefits can be particularly life-changing for a graduate student who may come from a marginalized background. However, the inequity in fellowship distribution hinders the success of graduate students, especially those who are marginalized. The majority of the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is white and attend top-ranked institutions. Within the GRFP, there is a clear disconnect between the grantee’s proposed broader impacts and follow-through. To value and support communities, and graduate students of color in the process, the GRFP must be reimagined. In this article, we provide a brief background on the relationship between STEM and marginalized communities, and how broader impacts currently function as a band-aid to the issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in STEM. We then conclude by providing recommendations to improve the broader impacts section and the awardee selection process.

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Coral‐bleaching responses to climate change across biological scales

Abstract: The global impacts of climate change are evident in every marine ecosystem. On coral reefs, mass coral bleaching and mortality have emerged as ubiquitous responses to

Cited by 75 publications

References 301 publications

Screening for climate adaptative loci using seascape genomics resolves phenotypic variation in heat tolerance of the coral Acropora millepora.

Screening for climate adaptative loci using seascape genomics resolves phenotypic variation in heat tolerance of the coral Acropora millepora.

Deoxygenation lowers the thermal threshold of coral bleaching

Reimagining the broader impacts criterion in the NSF graduate research fellowship

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