Corals with thermally sensitive algae adapt to warmer ocean: study

Algae within coral tissue supply essential energy, with some types aiding coral resilience to warmer waters. A study led by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa found that corals dominated by thermally sensitive algae exhibit higher growth in cooler water, highlighting a tradeoff. Understanding the impact of symbionts and environmental factors on coral growth is crucial for predicting reef futures and guiding conservation interventions as oceans warm. The research emphasises the need to consider coral traits and symbiotic relationships when selecting stocks for conservation purposes. (ENN)