Dynamic Nature of Algal Symbioses: Consequences for Host Fitness in an Intertidal Alga-Anemone Association.

藻类共生的动态性质：潮间带藻类-海葵协会中宿主适应性的后果。

• 批准号: 0822179
• 负责人: Brian Bingham
• 金额: $ 45万
• 依托单位: Western Washington University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Continuing Grant
• 财政年份: 2008
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2008-08-01 至 2014-03-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0822179&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Dynamic; Nature; Algal; Symbioses; Consequences

Anthopleura elegantissima is the most abundant sea anemone in intertidal communities of the northeast Pacific Ocean. This dominant invertebrate plays an important role in the ecology of these systems. Because of the unique symbiotic relationship A. elegantissima has with two distinct photosynthetic algae, it is also important as a model to help us better understand symbiotic partnerships and how they respond to a changing environment. The relative abundance of the two algae in A. elegantissima populations along the outer coast of Washington State will be assessed. This will provide a barometer for climate change; the distributions and abundances of the two symbiont species are predicted to shift if, for example, temperature or light levels change. This prediction is based on the different physiological tolerances of the algal symbionts (one prefers cooler, low-light environments while the other does better in warmer, high-light environments). In laboratory studies, the relative value of each symbiont will be tested by measuring their impact on growth and reproduction of the anemone host. Anemones will be exposed to different levels of natural sunlight, and sexual reproduction, asexual division, and body growth will be monitored. Health of the symbionts will also be measured in terms of photosynthetic productivity and division rate. Results of the work will provide valuable insights into the ecology of an important and abundant intertidal species. Results will also be important for developing testable hypotheses about how other long-lived species with multiple symbiotic partners (e.g., lichens and corals) will be affected by climate change-related shifts in symbiont complements. This project will engage in symbiosis research 14 undergraduate and 2 graduate students, including members of groups underrepresented in science. Elements of the project will be incorporated into existing undergraduate courses and an elementary school outreach program, and also disseminated through public lectures.

Anthopleura Elegnissima是东北太平洋潮间带社区中最丰富的海葵。这种主要的无脊椎动物在这些系统的生态学中起着重要作用。 由于独特的共生关系A. Elegantisma与两种不同的光合藻类具有，作为一个模型，它也很重要，可以帮助我们更好地了解共生伙伴关系以及它们对不断变化的环境的反应。 将评估两种藻类在华盛顿州外部海岸的高雅山脉种群中的相对丰度。这将为气候变化提供晴雨表；如果温度或光水平发生变化，则预计这两个共生物种的分布和丰度会改变。 该预测基于藻类共生体的不同生理耐受性（一个更喜欢冷却器，低光的环境，而另一个则在温暖，高光的环境中做得更好）。在实验室研究中，每个共生体的相对值将通过测量其对海葵宿主的生长和繁殖的影响来测试。 海葵将暴露于不同水平的自然阳光，有性繁殖，无性划分和身体生长将受到监测。 共生体的健康也将根据光合生产率和分裂率来衡量。这项工作的结果将为重要和丰富的潮间带的生态提供宝贵的见解。结果对于开发有关其他共生伴侣（例如地衣和珊瑚）的其他长寿命物种如何受到与气候变化相关的伴侣的影响，结果也将很重要。 该项目将参与共生研究14本科生和2名研究生，其中包括科学领域人数不足的团体的成员。 该项目的要素将纳入现有的本科课程和小学外展计划中，并通过公开讲座进行分发。