Diversity and abundance of photosynthetic sponges in temperate Western Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Lemloh Marie-Louise, Fromont Jane, Brümmer Franz, Usher Kayley M
Primary Institution: Universität Stuttgart
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare the percentages of photosynthetic sponges in temperate Western Australia with previously published data on tropical regions.
Conclusion
Photosynthetic sponges are abundant and diverse in temperate WA, with comparable percentages of photosynthetic to non-photosynthetic sponges to tropical zones.
Supporting Evidence
- An average of 63% of sponge individuals hosted high levels of photosynthetic symbionts.
- At least 63 different sponge species were examined for the presence of photosymbionts.
- Photosynthetic sponges in temperate WA have comparable percentages to those found on tropical reefs.
Takeaway
This study found that many sponges in Western Australia can make their own food using sunlight, just like plants do, and they are just as common as in warmer tropical waters.
Methodology
The study used 5 m belt transects to sample sponges and identified symbionts using 16S rDNA sequencing and microscopy techniques.
Limitations
The study may not account for all environmental factors affecting sponge diversity and abundance.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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