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Flexibility in coral-algal symbiosis is positively correlated with host geographic range
  • Daniel Zarate,
  • Jaclyn Gary,
  • Jingchun Li
Daniel Zarate
University of Colorado Boulder

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jaclyn Gary
University of Colorado Boulder
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Jingchun Li
University of Colorado Boulder
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Abstract

Generalists are thought to adapt to a broader breadth of ecological conditions compared to less flexible specialists. However, few studies have systematically tested what ecological or life-history traits are associated with organisms' ecological flexibility. Here, we used stony corals to test the relative effects of host traits and ecological factors on corals' flexibility to form photosymbioses with algae. We analyzed data from 211 stony coral species to test if coral's geographic distribution, depth range, symbiont transmission mode, or colony morphology predict coral-algal flexibility. We report a novel positive correlation between coral-algal flexibility and coral species' geographic range. Symbiont transmission mode is also a predictor of flexibility, albeit the result is less robust against sampling bias. Coral depth range and morphology did not show significant effects. We discuss how host-symbiont dispersal abilities, interactions, and evolutionary history could contribute to the observed patterns and how this finding could inform conservation efforts.
28 Oct 2023Submitted to Ecology Letters
30 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
30 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
30 Oct 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned