Coral density and predation affect growth of a reef-building coral |
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Authors: | A A Shantz A C Stier J A Idjadi |
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Institution: | (1) Northeastern University, Marine Science Institute, Nahant, Massachusetts 01908, USA;(2) Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8525, USA;(3) Department of Biology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA |
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Abstract: | The influence of predation on the growth of stony corals has gained increased attention, although the degree to which coral
conspecific density can modify the effects of corallivores remains poorly studied. Here, a field experiment was used to quantify
the independent and combined effects of coral colony density and coral predators on the skeletal growth of massive Porites. Predator exclusion increased coral growth by 20%. Increasing coral density increased growth by 30%. However, the effect
of predators was independent of coral density. Possible alternative mechanisms for increased skeletal growth at higher colony
density include changes in near-field flow, resulting in increases in photosynthetic activity, nutrient uptake, or the increased
accessibility of coral mutualists. |
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Keywords: | |
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