First Advisor

Tyler Imfeld

Second Advisor

Daniela Rivarola

Third Advisor

Mike Ghedotti

College

Regis College

Degree Name

MS Environmental Biology

School

Regis College

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Abstract

Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet (Knowlton el al., 2010). As they are home to millions of aquatic species, it is important for humanity to take diligent care of them both for their intrinsic and extrinsic qualities (Knowlton, 2001). Corals thrive by utilizing symbiotic algae cells called zooxanthellae to aid in obtaining energy (G. D., 2003). Living in the coral's polyps, the zooxanthellae are offered extra protection from predators (Wooldridge, 2010). This paper discusses the relationship between the zooxanthellae and the corals as well as the potential power dynamics between the two organisms. There are two different power dynamics explored in this paper. One dynamic discussed in this paper is coral having an influence over the zooxanthellae by restricting the number of nutrients available to it. The alternative power dynamic discussed is the zooxanthellae having influence over the coral by evading its immune system responses and taking advantage of the coral for shelter. This symbiotic relationship matters because coral bleaching, a primary cause of coral mortality, is the termination of the symbiosis. As corals face global mass bleaching events with greater frequency (Hughes et al., 2018), knowing more about this relationship will aid scientists in preserving it. In this literature review, I will argue that the zooxanthellae control the symbiotic relationship.

Date of Award

Spring 2025

Location (Creation)

Denver, Colo.

Rights Statement

All content in this Collection is owned by and subject to the exclusive control of Regis University and the authors of the materials. It is available only for research purposes and may not be used in violation of copyright laws or for unlawful purposes. The materials may not be downloaded in whole or in part without permission of the copyright holder or as otherwise authorized in the “fair use” standards of the U.S. copyright laws and regulations.

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