Reef Corals: Mutualistic Symbioses Adapted to Nutrient-Poor Environments
1977/07/01 by L. Muscatine, James W. Porter · 1,264 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Bacteria #Biology #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies #Ecology #Marine and coastal plant biology #Marine and fisheries research #Nutrient #Paleontology #Reef #Symbiodinium #Symbiosis
paper · doi:10.2307/1297526
published in BioScience 27(7), 454-460 (Oxford University Press)
openalex publication_date 1977/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Abstract
Adaptations resulting from the possession of endosymbiotic algae enable reef corals to flourish in nutrient-poor tropical waters. The major adaptations are (a) a poly trophic feeding capacity; (b) conservation of nutrients, such as nitrogen, by retention and recycling within a coral head; and (c) acceleration of calcification in the light. The functions of algae and animals thus superimposed result in an association which can exploit the environment better than either associant can alone.
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