You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Theses and Dissertations

comparison of the thermal bleaching response of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three geographically different regions in south Florida

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2003
Summary:
Coral bleaching involves the loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) from reef corals and other cnidarians during periods of environmental stress, particularly elevated temperature. In this study the thermal bleaching responses of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three populations along the southeast coast of Florida were compared. Winter (2002--2003) and summer (2003) samples from three geographically separate sites were exposed to increased temperatures and the loss of zooxanthellae was measured. Zooxanthellae populations were sampled and identified using PCR-DGGE. The results showed that samples of P. caribaeorum from reefs that experience smaller annual thermal ranges released the most zooxanthellae. Seasonal comparisons revealed winter samples experienced a greater amount of zooxanthellae loss than summer samples. P. caribaeorum was found to harbor two genetic strains of zooxanthellae, C1 and D1a. Colonies either contained monotypic populations of these, or a combination of both.
Title: A comparison of the thermal bleaching response of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three geographically different regions in south Florida.
112 views
20 downloads
Name(s): Kemp, Dustin W., author
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Cook, Clayton B., Thesis advisor
Brooks, W. Randy, Thesis advisor
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department of Biological Sciences
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Issuance: monographic
Date Issued: 2003
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, FL
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 71 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Coral bleaching involves the loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) from reef corals and other cnidarians during periods of environmental stress, particularly elevated temperature. In this study the thermal bleaching responses of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three populations along the southeast coast of Florida were compared. Winter (2002--2003) and summer (2003) samples from three geographically separate sites were exposed to increased temperatures and the loss of zooxanthellae was measured. Zooxanthellae populations were sampled and identified using PCR-DGGE. The results showed that samples of P. caribaeorum from reefs that experience smaller annual thermal ranges released the most zooxanthellae. Seasonal comparisons revealed winter samples experienced a greater amount of zooxanthellae loss than summer samples. P. caribaeorum was found to harbor two genetic strains of zooxanthellae, C1 and D1a. Colonies either contained monotypic populations of these, or a combination of both.
Identifier: 9780496218912 (isbn), 13053 (digitool), FADT13053 (IID), fau:9918 (fedora)
Degree granted: Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2003.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Subject(s): Zoanthinaria
Seawater--Thermal properties
Zooxanthellales
Coral reef ecology--Florida
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13053
Sublocation: Digital Library
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.