Image: H Nativ/Morris Kahn Marine Research
Image: H Nativ/Morris Kahn Marine Research
Research project The evolutionary implications of symbiotic breakdowns are debated, however, they may function in enhancing fitness. Indeed, the disastrous consequences of symbiotic breakdown leading to coral bleaching over the last 20 years are well-known although the evolutionary significance of these bleaching events is less known. We will use mathematical approaches to probe the scope for coral survival to the end of the century.
Symbioses are prevalent across many biomes and can be critical to the survival of some of the most charismatic ecosystems on earth. However, sometimes these symbioses break down; this may be survivable for the individual partners, but can also lead to widespread death.
The evolutionary implications of symbiotic breakdowns are debated, however, they may function in enhancing fitness. The disastrous consequences of symbiotic breakdown leading to coral bleaching over the last 20 years are well-known although the evolutionary significance of these bleaching events is less known. We will use mathematical symmetry methods to explore the range of biological mechanisms and evolutionary scenarios that could give rise to bleaching and probe the scope for coral survival to the end of the century.
