Search

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/sdata.2016.17.

Trait-based approaches advance ecological and evolutionary research because traits provide a strong link to an organism's function and fitness. Trait-based research might lead to a deeper understanding of the functions of, and services provided by, ecosystems, thereby improving management, which is vital in the current era of rapid environmental change. Coral reef scientists have long collected trait data for corals; however, these are difficult to access and often under-utilized in addressing large-scale questions. We present the Coral Trait Database initiative that aims to bring together physiological, morphological, ecological, phylogenetic and biogeographic trait information into a single repository. The database houses species- and individual-level data from published field and experimental studies alongside contextual data that provide important framing for analyses. In this data descriptor, we release data for 56 traits for 1547 species, and present a collaborative platform on which other trait data are being actively federated. Our overall goal is for the Coral Trait Database to become an open-source, community-led data clearinghouse that accelerates coral reef research.

The reduction in coral cover on many contemporary tropical reefs suggests a different set of coral community assemblages will dominate future reefs. To evaluate the capacity of reef corals to persist over various time scales, we examined coral community dynamics in contemporary, fossil, and simulated future coral reef ecosystems. Based on studies between 1987 and 2012 at two locations in the Caribbean, and between 1981 and 2013 at five locations in the Indo-Pacific, we show that many coral genera declined in abundance, some showed no change in abundance, and a few coral genera increased in abundance. Whether the abundance of a genus declined, increased, or was conserved, was independent of coral family. An analysis of fossil-reef communities in the Caribbean revealed changes in numerical dominance and relative abundances of coral genera, and demonstrated that neither dominance nor taxon was associated with persistence. As coral family was a poor predictor of performance on contemporary reefs, a trait-based, dynamic, multi-patch model was developed to explore the phenotypic basis of ecological performance in a warmer future. Sensitivity analyses revealed that upon exposure to thermal stress, thermal tolerance, growth rate, and longevity were the most important predictors of coral persistence. Together, our results underscore the high variation in the rates and direction of change in coral abundances on contemporary and fossil reefs. Given this variation, it remains possible that coral reefs will be populated by a subset of the present coral fauna in a future that is warmer than the recent past.

Climate change-driven stressors threaten the persistence of coral reefs worldwide. Symbiotic relationships between scleractinian corals and photosynthetic endosymbionts (genus Symbiodinium) are the foundation of reef ecosystems, and these associations are differentially impacted by stress. Here, we couple empirical data from the coral reefs of Moorea, French Polynesia, and a network theoretic modeling approach to evaluate how patterns in coral-Symbiodinium associations influence community stability under climate change. To introduce the effect of climate perturbations, we simulate local 'extinctions' that represent either the loss of coral species or the ability to engage in symbiotic interactions. Community stability is measured by determining the duration and number of species that persist through the simulated extinctions. Our results suggest that four factors greatly increase coral-Symbiodinium community stability in response to global changes: (i) the survival of generalist hosts and symbionts maximizes potential symbiotic unions; (ii) elevated symbiont diversity provides redundant or complementary symbiotic functions; (iii) compatible symbiotic assemblages create the potential for local recolonization; and (iv) the persistence of certain traits associate with symbiotic diversity and redundancy. Symbiodinium may facilitate coral persistence through novel environmental regimes, but this capacity is mediated by symbiotic specificity, association patterns, and the functional performance of the symbionts. Our model-based approach identifies general trends and testable hypotheses in coral-Symbiodinium community responses. Future studies should consider similar methods when community size and/or environmental complexity preclude experimental approaches. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The genus Symbiodinium encompasses a group of unicellular, photosynthetic dinoflagellates that are found free living or in hospite with a wide range of marine invertebrate hosts including scleractinian corals. We present GeoSymbio, a hybrid web application that provides an online, easy to use and freely accessible interface for users to discover, explore and utilize global geospatial bioinformatic and ecoinformatic data on Symbiodinium–host symbioses. The novelty of this application lies in the combination of a variety of query and visualization tools, including dynamic searchable maps, data tables with filter and grouping functions, and interactive charts that summarize the data. Importantly, this application is hosted remotely or ‘in the cloud’ using Google Apps, and therefore does not require any specialty GIS, web programming or data programming expertise from the user. The current version of the application utilizes Symbiodinium data based on the ITS2 genetic marker from PCR-based techniques, including denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, sequencing and cloning of specimens collected during 1982–2010. All data elements of the application are also downloadable as spatial files, tables and nucleic acid sequence files in common formats for desktop analysis. The application provides a unique tool set to facilitate research on the basic biology of Symbiodinium and expedite new insights into their ecology, biogeography and evolution in the face of a changing global climate.

Most reef-building corals in the order Scleractinia depend on endosymbiotic algae in the genus Symbiodinium for energy and survival. Significant levels of taxonomic diversity in both partners result in numerous possible combinations of coral-Symbiodinium associations with unique functional characteristics. We created and analyzed the first coral-Symbiodinium networks utilizing a global dataset of interaction records from coral reefs in the tropical Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans for 1991 to 2010. Our meta-analysis reveals that the majority of coral species and Symbiodinium types are specialists, but failed to detect any one-to-one obligate relationships. Symbiont specificity is correlated with a host's transmission mode, with horizontally transmitting corals being more likely to interact with generalist symbionts. Globally, Symbiodinium types tend to interact with only vertically or horizontally transmitting corals, and only a few generalist types are found with both. Our results demonstrate a strong correlation between symbiont specificity, symbiont transmission mode, and community partitioning. The structure and dynamics of these network interactions underlie the fundamental biological partnership that determines the condition and resilience of coral reef ecosystems. © 2012 Fabina et al.

Flexibility in biological systems is seen as an important driver of macro-ecosystem function and stability. Spatially constrained endosymbiotic settings, however, are less studied, although environmental thresholds of symbiotic corals are linked to the function of their endosymbiotic dinoflagellate communities. Symbiotic flexibility is a hypothesized mechanism that corals may exploit to adapt to climate change. This study explores the flexibility of the coral-Symbiodinium symbiosis through quantification of Symbiodinium ITS2 sequence assemblages in a range of coral species and genera. Sequence assemblages are expressed as an index of flexibility incorporating phylogenetic divergence and relative abundance of Symbiodinium sequences recovered from the host. This comparative analysis reveals profound differences in the flexibility of corals for Symbiodinium, thereby classifying corals as generalists or specifists. Generalists such as Acropora and Pocillopora exhibit high intra- and inter-species flexibility in their Symbiodinium assemblages and are some of the most environmentally sensitive corals. Conversely, specifists such as massive Porites colonies exhibit low flexibility, harbour taxonomically narrow Symbiodinium assemblages, and are environmentally resistant corals. Collectively, these findings challenge the paradigm that symbiotic flexibility enhances holobiont resilience. This underscores the need for a deeper examination of the extent and duration of the functional benefits associated with endosymbiotic diversity and flexibility under environmental stress. © 2012 The Royal Society.

Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant is a TNT manufacturing facility located northwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Wastewater from VAAP drains northward into a series of treatment lagoons and is discharged into the head of Waconda Bay after undergoing pH adjustment with lime. In each of two field surveys conducted during the summer of 1975, sampling was carried out at 20 locations in Waconda Bay and in two similar reference bays unaffected by munitions plant effluent. Both chemical and biological analyses were conducted. Water and sediment samples were analyzed for major ions, nutrients, and munitions residues. Biological components selected were periphyton, phytoplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates. Data gathered during the summer show that nitrobodies, nitrogen compounds, and dissolved solids discharged in the VAAP waste maintain a chemical environment in upper Waconda Bay significantly different from the other study areas. Munitions residues during the survey ranged to 345 ppb at the point of waste entry to near zero, one-half to three-quarters of a mile downbay. Biologic reposnse by periphyton and macroinvertebrates was observed in similar areas of Waconda Bay where chemical characteristics were altered. It is concluded that environmental impact of TNT waste effluent would be minimal if the combined concentration of alpha-TNT, 2,4- DNT, and 2,6-DNT did not exceed 20 ppb in the receiving waters.

The effects of RDX and HMX on the aquatic environment were reviewed and water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic organisms are recommended. Chemical properties, analytical methods, manufacturing wastewater characteristics, and environmental fate of RDX and HMX are reviewed and discussed. The data base for RDX consists of acute tests with four species of freshwater algae, acute and chronic tests with four and two species of freshwater invertebrates respectively, and acute and chronic tests with four and two species of freshwater fish respectively. The data base for HMX is more limited consisting of acute tests on four species of freshwater algae, acute tests on four species of freshwater invertebrates, and acute tests on four species of freshwater fish. Effects were observed only at nominal concentrations exceeding the solubility of HMX. Three procedures were utilized to determine the recommended water quality criteria for RDX and HMX; (1) a proposed procedure by EPA, (2) acute toxicity values multiplied by a general application factor, and (3) acute toxicity values multiplied by an experimentally derived application factor. For RDX, a 24-hour average concentration of 0.30 mg/1 should adequately protect aquatic life. Insufficient data exist to establish a criteria for HMX., See also part 3, AD-A083 625.

The purpose of this report is to review the effects of white phosphorus (WP) on the aquatic environment and to recommend water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic organisms. Chemical properties, analytical methods, manufacturing wastewater characteristics, and environmental fate of WP are reviewed and discussed. Four freshwater algae were exposed to WP concentrations ranging from 7 to 670 microns g/1. Two procaryotic species, Anabaena flos-aquae and Microcystis aeruginosa, showed a biostimulatory growth. Conversely, two eucaryotic species, Navicula pelliculosa and Selenastrum capricornutum showed growth inhibition. N. pelliculosa was the more sensitive with significant effects apparent at 20 microns g/1. Two marine species, Fucus distichus and Fucus vesticulosus, showed bioconcentration factors of 22X and 23X when exposed to 15 micron g/1 WP for 48 hours., See also Part 2, AD-A082 437 and report dated Oct 78, AD-A060 767.

The purpose of this report is to review the effects of nitroglycerin (TNG) on the aquatic environment and to recommend water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic organisms. Chemical properties, analytical methods, manufacturing wastewater characteristics, and environmental fate of TNG are reviewed and discussed. Three procedures were utilized to determine the recommended water quality criteria for TNG; (1) a new proposed procedure by EPA; (2) acute toxicity values multiplied by a general application factor; and (3) acute toxicity values multiplied by an experimentally derived application factor. Considering the results of these three procedures and the data from the chronic studies, a water quality criteria for TNG of 0.01 mg/1 (24-hour average) was recommended., See also report dated Oct 78, AD-A060 767.

The purpose of this report is to review the effects of nitrocellulose on the aquatic environment and to recommend water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic organisms. Four species of invertebrates and four species of fish were unaffected by nitrocellulose concentrations as high as 1000 mg/l. Four species of algae were exposed to nitrocellulose concentrations up to 1000 mg/l. Three species were unaffected and the fourth, Selenastrum capricornutum, showed a 96-hr. EC50 of 731 mg/l. This species is very sensitive to light intensity and it was concluded that the response noted was due to light reduction caused by the suspended nitrocellulose particles. The particulate nature of nitrocellulose wastes, the compound's relative insolubility in water, as well as its observed ability to attenuate light transmission through a suspension medium, indicate that current EPA water quality criteria for solids and turbidity are sufficient to provide for safe levels of nitrocellulose in the aquatic environment. These criteria (EPA 1976) suggest for the protection of freshwater fish and aquatic life: Settleable and suspended solids should not reduce the depth of the compensation point for photosynthetic activity by more than 10 percent from the seasonally established norm for aquatic life.

Overall effects of munitions effluents from the Holston Army Ammunition Plant during the summer of 1975 were most clearly observed in the periphytic community and were confined to the vicinity of the waste outfalls. Marked increases in heterotrophic biomass and reduction in autotrophic populations were noted. Species composition shifts among the diatoms growing on artificial substrates suggested toxic manifestations from munitions related effluents. Effects on the periphyton were observed in water containing as little as 20 micrograms/liter RDX. Direct relationship of RDX residues to biotic response in this system must be approached with caution. The changing chemical environment due to variable waste discharge, upstream waste inputs, and flow variability make it virtually impossible to closely quantify typical conditions at a given station. Many of the effects may also be due to ancillary nitrogen and carbon discharges or to synergism between RDX and combinations of other factors. The Holston environment is one of eutrophic conditions and biological stress due to upstream discharges; thus sensitive organisms which would be expected to respond to threshold biotoxicity from RDX do not occur in the reach impacted by HAAP Area B. Conservative estimates, however, place a critical range of 20 to 100 micrograms/liter RDX for periphyton in water containing munitions effluent.

A winter survey was conducted in Waconda Bay, Lake Chickamauga. The Bay is the receiving water for TNT-manufacturing wastes from Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant located northwest of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Field work was carried out in two phases. The first, completed in December, determined flow and dispersion patterns in Waconda Bay, munitions levels in the lake water and sediments and other limnological parameters of the system. The Phase I survey determined that munitions levels were sufficiently high to justify an intensive biological study at a later date and provided data for locating sampling sites covering the full range of concentrations. The second part of the investigation was completed during March and examined the effects of TNT wastes from VAAP on the periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities. The results of the study indicate no environmental effect on periphyton or macroinvertebrates from a complex TNT manufacturing effluent at a total munitions concentration of less than 25 microgram/l. Definite effects were noted during a period when total munitions averaged 500-600 microgram/l with a peak of over 2,000 microgram/l. Concentrations believed to be in the range of 50-100 microgram/l produced minimal effects.