A possible link between coral reef success, crustose coralline algae and the evolution of herbivory

Teichert S, Steinbauer M, Kießling W (2020)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Book Volume: 10

Article Number: 17748

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73900-9

Open Access Link: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73900-9

Abstract

Crustose coralline red algae (CCA) play a key role in the consolidation of many modern tropical coral reefs. It is unclear, however, if their function as reef consolidators was equally pronounced in the geological past. Using a comprehensive database on ancient reefs, we show a strong correlation between the presence of CCA and the formation of true coral reefs throughout the last 150 Ma. We investigated if repeated breakdowns in the potential capacity of CCA to spur reef development were associated with sea level, ocean temperature, CO2 concentration, CCA species diversity, and/or the evolution of major herbivore groups. Model results show that the correlation between the occurrence of CCA and the development of true coral reefs increased with CCA diversity and cooler ocean temperatures while the diversification of herbivores had a transient negative effect. The evolution of novel herbivore groups compromised the interaction between CCA and true reef growth at least three times in the investigated time interval. These crises have been overcome by morphological adaptations of CCA.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Teichert, S., Steinbauer, M., & Kießling, W. (2020). A possible link between coral reef success, crustose coralline algae and the evolution of herbivory. Scientific Reports, 10. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73900-9

MLA:

Teichert, Sebastian, Manuel Steinbauer, and Wolfgang Kießling. "A possible link between coral reef success, crustose coralline algae and the evolution of herbivory." Scientific Reports 10 (2020).

BibTeX: Download