Fragmentation in the branching coral Acropora palmata (Lamarck): growth, survivorship, and reproduction of colonies and fragments

摘要: Acropora palmata, a branching coral abundant on shallow reef environments throughout the Caribbean, is susceptible to physical disturbance caused by storms. Accordingly, survivorship and propagation of this species are tied its capability recover after fragmentation. Fragments A. palmata comprised 40% ramets within populations that had experienced recent While fragments was not directly related size fragments, removal from areas where they settled influenced size. Survivorship also affected type substratum; greatest mortality (58% loss first month) observed sand, whereas placed top live colonies fused underlying tissue did experience any losses. created Hurricane Andrew Florida in August 1992 began developing new growth (proto-branches) 7 months storm. The number proto-branches dependent size, but fragments. Growth-rates increased exponentially with time (1.7 cm year−1 for 1993–1994, 2.7 1994–1995, 4.2 1995–1996, 6.5 1996–1997), taking over 4 years achieve rates comparable those adult same (6.9 year−1). In addition initial reduced growth-rates, fragmentation resulted reproductive potential. Neither severe nor contained gametes until damage. Although may survive periodic fragmentation, long-term effects process will depend ultimately balance between benefits costs process.