Prevalence and Mechanisms of Dynamic Chemical Defenses in Tropical Sponges

摘要: Sponges and other sessile invertebrates are lacking behavioural escape or defense mechanisms rely therefore on morphological chemical defenses. Studies from terrestrial systems marine algae demonstrated facultative defenses like induction activation to be common, suggesting that organisms also evolved increase the efficiency of their defense. However, inducible in sponges have not been investigated so far studies activated rare. We whether tropical sponge species induce response artificial predation wounding triggers activation. Additionally, we tested if these used boost antimicrobial activity avoid bacterial infection. Laboratory experiments with eight pacific showed 87% were chemically defended. Two species, Stylissa massa Melophlus sarasinorum, induced simulated predation, which is first demonstration antipredatory sponges. One M. wounding. Interestingly, 50% Simulated increased Aplysinella sp., Cacospongia S. massa. Our results suggest selects for protect pathogens could otherwise invade tissue via feeding scars.