RUbble Biodiversity Samplers: 3D‐printed coral models to standardize biodiversity censuses

Wolfe, Kennedy; Mumby, Peter J.

doi:10.1111/2041-210x.13462

Cited by 15 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Five treatments were established to quantify the local‐scale movement patterns of rubble‐dwelling fauna (Figure 1a ). Four of these treatments were developed by modifying accessibility into Rubble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS; https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4176644/files ; 140 × 90 × 80 mm), which are 3D‐printed models used to standardize biodiversity sampling of coral reef cryptofauna in rubble (Wolfe & Mumby, 2020 ). RUBS were modified to understand limitations on the directional influx and movement of cryptofauna within coral rubble patches using four treatments; (1) open (completely accessible), (2) interstitial access (top closed), (3) surficial access (sides and bottom closed), and (4) raised (above rubble substratum; Figure 1a–c ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Coral rubble is indeed a natural but disturbed coral state, meaning the persistence of rubble communities depends on their ability to colonize this dynamic habitat type rapidly (Takada et al, 2016 ). Emigration rates of rubble communities to the novel substrate can be rapid, within days to weeks (Enochs et al, 2011 ; Takada et al, 2007 ; Valles et al, 2006 ; Wolfe & Mumby, 2020 ), driven by small‐scale patterns of movement within the benthos, or dispersal or recruitment from the water column (Callens et al, 2012 ; Cerca et al, 2018 ; Palmer, 1988 ). For emergent fauna, migration from the benthos at night results in a reshuffling of populations while predation risk is reduced (Alldredge & King, 1977 ; Takada et al, 2016 ), as biomass and productivity of nocturnal fishes is lower than diurnal species (Collins et al, 2022 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Here, we address the bioavailability of coral reef cryptofauna in rubble based on small‐scale patterns of emigration. We adapted the accessibility of Rubble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS), models used to standardize biodiversity sampling in rubble (Wolfe & Mumby, 2020 ), to explore the local movement patterns of rubble‐dwelling fauna, with inference to predation processes within and beyond the cryptobenthos. Five treatments were developed to detect community‐level differences in the directional influx of motile cryptofauna under various habitat accessibility regimes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Emigration patterns of motile cryptofauna and their implications for trophic functioning in coral reefs

Wolfe

Desbiens

Mumby

2023

Ecology and Evolution

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Patterns of movement of marine species can reflect strategies of reproduction and dispersal, species' interactions, trophodynamics, and susceptibility to change, and thus critically inform how we manage populations and ecosystems. On coral reefs, the density and diversity of metazoan taxa are greatest in dead coral and rubble, which are suggested to fuel food webs from the bottom up. Yet, biomass and secondary productivity in rubble is predominantly available in some of the smallest individuals, limiting how accessible this energy is to higher trophic levels. We address the bioavailability of motile coral reef cryptofauna based on small-scale patterns of emigration in rubble. We deployed modified RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS) and emergence traps in a shallow rubble patch at Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, to detect community-level differences in the directional influx of motile cryptofauna under five habitat accessibility regimes. The mean density (0.13-4.5 ind cm −3 ) and biomass (0.14-5.2 mg cm −3 ) of cryptofauna were high and varied depending on microhabitat accessibility. Emergent zooplankton represented a distinct community (dominated by the Appendicularia and Calanoida) with the lowest density and biomass, indicating constraints on nocturnal resource availability. Mean cryptofauna density and biomass were greatest when interstitial access within rubble was blocked, driven by the rapid proliferation of small harpacticoid copepods from the rubble surface, leading to trophic simplification. Individuals with high biomass (e.g., decapods, gobies, and echinoderms) were greatest when interstitial access within rubble was unrestricted.Treatments with a closed rubble surface did not differ from those completely open, suggesting that top-down predation does not diminish rubble-derived resources. Our results show that conspecific cues and species' interactions (e.g., competition and predation) within rubble are most critical in shaping ecological outcomes within the cryptobiome. These findings have implications for prey accessibility through trophic and community size structuring in rubble, which may become increasingly relevant as benthic reef complexity shifts in the Anthropocene.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Emigration patterns of motile cryptofauna and their implications for trophic functioning in coral reefs

Wolfe

Desbiens

Mumby

2023

Ecology and Evolution

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“…Rubble communities were sampled using multiple collection methods to obtain adequate replication and ensure representation of a variety of taxa. First, RUbble Biodiversity Samplers (RUBS), which are 3D-printed models used to standardise biodiversity sampling in rubble, were regularly deployed in rubble patches using standard protocol (Wolfe and Mumby 2020). Additionally, a series of plastic mesh baskets (4 L) were filled with rubble and buried in depressions at these sites.…”

Section: Predator Candidate Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel rubble-dwelling predators of herbivorous juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.)

et al. 2023

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Crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) are a pervasive coral predator prone to population outbreaks that have damaged coral reefs across Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific. CoTS population control through predation has been suggested as a primary mechanism that suppresses their outbreaks. However, the nature and rates of predation on CoTS are poorly resolved, especially for early life-history stages where they are expected to be most vulnerable. Here, we provide results from the first investigation of predators of CoTS during their rubble-dwelling, herbivorous, juvenile phase. We assessed the capacity of 104 common species of the rubble cryptofauna found across Heron Reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, to consume early-stage juvenile CoTS (0.8–3.8 mm) using controlled feeding experiments with laboratory-raised juveniles. We identified 26 novel CoTS predators, but only 10 species that regularly consumed juvenile CoTS in their entirety. Most cases of predation resulted in severed bodies and missing arms (i.e. sublethal predation) but not total consumption. We highlight one crustacean predator, Schizophrys aspera, the red decorator crab, which consumed whole juvenile CoTS in 89% of feeding trials and in excess of 5 CoTS d−1 in natural rubble mesocosms with alternative prey. This work emphasises the importance of predators at the critical juvenile stage that may control the build-up of CoTS populations prior to being detectable as an outbreak population.

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“…This study expands our understanding of calcium transport patterns in Acropora, which is conducive to the breeding and protection of reef-building corals (38)(39)(40)(41). In addition, studying the internal structure and function of coral canals provides theoretical guidance for the current research into constructing artificial reefs (42,43) and reconstructing coral reefs through 3D printing (44)(45)(46)(47), laying a scientific foundation for the establishment of an improved coral reef restoration system (41,(48)(49)(50).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calcium Transport along the Axial Canal in Acropora

Li¹,

Liao²,

He³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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In Acropora, the complex canals in a coral colony connect all polyps into a holistic network to collaborate in performing biological processes. There are various types of canals, including calice, axial canals, and other internal canals, with structures that are dynamically altered during different coral growth states due to internal calcium transport. However, few studies have considered the regulation of calcium transport in Acropora. In this study, we investigated the morphological changes of the axial canal in six Acropora muricata samples by high resolution micro-computed tomography, observing the patterns of the axial canal during the processes of new branch formation and truncated branch rebuilding. We visualized the formation of a new branch from a calice and deposition of the iconic hexactin skeletons in the axial canal. Furthermore, the diameter and volume changes of the axial canal in truncated branches during rebuilding processes were calculated, revealing that the volume ratio of calcareous deposits in the axial canal exhibit significant increases within the first three weeks, returning to levels in the initial state in the following week. This work indicates that the axial canal can transport calcium to form hexactin skeletons in a new branch and rebuild the tip of a truncated branch. The calcium transport along canal network regulates various growth processes, including budding, branching, skeleton forming, and self-rebuilding of an Acropora colony. Understanding the changes in canal function under normal and extreme conditions will provide theoretical guidance for restoration and protection of coral reefs.

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RUbble Biodiversity Samplers: 3D‐printed coral models to standardize biodiversity censuses

Cited by 15 publications

References 26 publications

Emigration patterns of motile cryptofauna and their implications for trophic functioning in coral reefs

Emigration patterns of motile cryptofauna and their implications for trophic functioning in coral reefs

Novel rubble-dwelling predators of herbivorous juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster sp.)

Calcium Transport along the Axial Canal in Acropora

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