Date of Award

Spring 5-4-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Biology

Department

Biology

Advisor

Dr. Cawa Tran, PhD

Abstract

The warming of ocean temperatures has caused mass coral-bleaching events characterized by the expulsion of vital algal symbionts from coral tissues. However, the possibility of algal reuptake and existence of bacteria that support coral-algal symbiosis are two avenues of potential restoration efforts. Using the sea anemone Exaiptasia diaphana as a model for corals, I tested whether the coral-benefitting bacterium Endozoicomonas montiporae could enhance algal uptake under ambient (27°C) and heat-stressed (32°C) conditions. I then turned acquired results into an article modeled after National Geographic Kids to introduce the experiment to younger ages. While temperature was a larger determinant of algal-uptake success, microscopic imaging showed heat-stressed anemones with the addition of E. montiporae to have visibly more algal density in their tissues than those without the bacterium. These results suggest that administration of E. montiporae to corals may assist their algal reuptake before they bleach completely. By making such work accessible to children and students of younger ages, an early interest in scientific inquiry and climate preservation can be inspired.

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