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Light and the bioenergetics of a symbiotic coral

Journal Article · · BioScience; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1309663· OSTI ID:5932101
Colonies of coral Stylophora pistillata growing at high light can obtain all the reduced carbon needed for animal respiration from photosynthesis by symbiotic zooxanthellae. In contrast, colonies in shaded reef areas must acquired 60% of their reduced carbon heterotrophically. More than 90% of the carbon fixed by zooxanthellae is translocated to the animal host in both light regimes, but very little is assimilated, apparently because the translocated products are deficient in nitrogen. Thus, the coral's overall growth efficiency is similar to that of aquatic herbivores that forage actively. 29 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76CH00016
OSTI ID:
5932101
Journal Information:
BioScience; (United States), Journal Name: BioScience; (United States) Vol. 34:11; ISSN BISNA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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