Diversity and Evolution of Octocoral Animal Forests at Both Sides of Tropical America

Sánchez, Juan A.

doi:10.1007/978-3-319-17001-5_39-1

Cited by 29 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 155 publications

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“…This research follows other contributions , 2016 to the octocoral systematics and biodiversity that provide insights into the structure and composition of the mesophotic and deepwater habitats in the eastern Pacific region.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Revision of the genus Adelogorgia Bayer, 1958 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) with the description of three new species

Breedy¹,

Guzmán²

2018

Zootaxa

894

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The genus Adelogorgia is distinguished from other holaxonians in having conspicuously ornamented double-disc sclerites and leaf clubs in the coenenchyme, and non-mineralised axis cores. The two eastern Pacific species currently recognised as Adelogorgia are diagnosed and illustrated. Three new species for the genus are described from new localities and depth ranges. Analysis of external and internal characters, especially sclerite colours and sizes, and colony colour, shape and branching, allows separating the species. An identification key to the five species is provided, as well as a character table for comparisons. This study was based on newly collected specimens from 50 to 200 m deep, and re-examination of all historical material. We conclude that the genus comprises five valid species with a wider distribution than previously reported. This research is a contribution to the octocoral systematics and biodiversity from mesophotic and deep waters.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 82%

Revision of the genus Adelogorgia Bayer, 1958 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) with the description of three new species

Breedy¹,

Guzmán²

2018

Zootaxa

894

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“…), less is known about the role of other reef organisms such as octocorals (OC) and sponges (SP). Octocorals have diverse morphologies (Fabricius and Alderslade ), which may partly define their successfulness in a specific habitat (Sánchez , Schubert et al. ).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acknowledging differences: number, characteristics, and distribution of marine benthic communities along Taiwan coast

Lin

Denis

2019

Ecosphere

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Our knowledge of the ability of coral reefs to face contemporary challenges disregards the wide variety of benthic communities (BCs) that could be associated with contrasted dynamics when facing stressors. Accordingly, this study investigates the number, characteristics, and distribution of BCs responsible for the development of coastal three‐dimensional structures in Taiwan. A total of 89 transects among three regions (north, east, and south) and two depths (−10 and −40 m) were characterized using a morpho‐functional categorization of benthic organisms. Using an unsupervised learning algorithm, k‐means cluster, an optimal number of k groups were identified among transects in order to minimize total intra‐group variance and represent a first level of organization, mirroring the number of BCs. Each BC was then described into prevailing categories and typified by an association with significant indicator groups. Their distributions were further examined and tested among regions and depths. Seven BCs were identified as having different composition and indicator categories. Their distributions suggest that, while sea surface temperature and light regime may be associated with a panel of available BCs, local conditions may have the final say on whether a BC eventually thrives at a given location. Overall, this study proposes an innovative and simple analytical framework for acknowledging differences among BCs. Our results encourage greater consideration of these shades in coral reef ecology studies, as they could conceal a variety of roles and dynamics important for the conservation of these endangered ecosystems.

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“…This uninhabited island is considered to be under pristine conditions (Zapata and Vargas-Ángel, 2003;Quimbayo et al, 2016). While gorgonians are typically diverse in the TEP (Bayer, 1953;Van Oppen et al, 2005;Sánchez, 2016), rocky reef environments of Malpelo Island are mainly dominated by species of the genera Leptogorgia and Pacifigorgia (Sánchez et al, 2011;Sánchez, 2016). Of these, Pacifigorgia cairnsi, which is endemic to the TEP, is considered a keystone species in Malpelo.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It dominates the infralittoral seascape by forming gorgonian forests on rocky outcrops and walls up to 30 m depth (Sánchez et al, 2011;. This species also plays an important ecological role due to, for instance, strong interactions with invertebrates such as ovulid gastropods and fishes including Oxycirrhites typus and Dermatolepis dermatolepis Sánchez, 2016). Therefore, the loss or decrease of P. cairnsi in Malpelo would dramatically affect the entire ecosystem; a fact that makes its study and conservation a crucial matter (sensu Mills et al, 1993) .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamic Interplay of ENSO Events and Local Hydrodynamic Parameters Drives Demography and Health Status of Gorgonian Sea Fan Populations on a Remote Tropical Eastern Pacific Island

et al. 2019

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Gorgonian corals occurring in shallow waters are vulnerable to changing environmental conditions and human-related pressures such as pollution, overfishing, and diseases. However, anthropogenic effects on coral systems are difficult to quantify due to the lack of base-line data of unaffected populations. In order to assess the impact of global and local environmental parameters on gorgonian populations removed from direct anthropogenic impact, we evaluated demographic parameters and the health status of Pacifigorgia cairnsi (Gorgoniidae: Octocorallia) populations in Malpelo Island, a remote and pristine marine area in the Tropical Eastern Pacific of Colombia. Specifically, we studied P. cairnsi densities and population size structures under different habitat and local environmental conditions. We also studied whether ENSO events and local hydrodynamic features including locality, water depth, and upwelling conditions drive P. cairnsi growth rates. Finally, we evaluated the prevalence of the necrotic patch disease and rates of disease recovery. Major findings were that local hydrodynamic parameters shaped P. cairnsi size structures, that growth rates were affected by thermal anomalies associated to ENSO events and partly by water depth, that overall disease prevalence was low (6%) and that it did not correlate with the environmental parameters studied, and that most diseased colonies (57%) recovered via tissue breakage. The fact that P. cairnsi, a keystone species within the regional benthic food web, is affected by thermal anomalies remains of concern because these global events are predicted to increase in frequencies and severity in the future. Nonetheless, the low level of disease prevalence found indicates that the island's pristine conditions might facilitate disease resistance. Moreover, the findings suggest an interesting trade-off between growth rates and colony recovery in shallow waters related to tissue breakage. This study provides crucial base-line data for future investigations aiming at understanding coral responses to anthropogenic pressures and the impact of global climate change on coral communities.

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Diversity and Evolution of Octocoral Animal Forests at Both Sides of Tropical America

Cited by 29 publications

References 155 publications

Revision of the genus Adelogorgia Bayer, 1958 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) with the description of three new species

Revision of the genus Adelogorgia Bayer, 1958 (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Octocorallia) with the description of three new species

Acknowledging differences: number, characteristics, and distribution of marine benthic communities along Taiwan coast

Dynamic Interplay of ENSO Events and Local Hydrodynamic Parameters Drives Demography and Health Status of Gorgonian Sea Fan Populations on a Remote Tropical Eastern Pacific Island

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