The Adaptive Bleaching Hypothesis is a controversial theory that states that stress resistant coral-zooxanthellae associations can develop from frequent and severe environmental stress. This hypothesis is reviewed and future directions for research are suggested. Discussions include the following topics, spatial and temporal variation in Symbiodinium, costs to Symbiodinium D due to heat tolerance, and future directions. This paper is critical reading for any MPA practitioner dealing with coral reef persistence as coral-Symbiodinium interactions impact reef resilience.
Author: Sotka, E.E. and R.W. Thacker
Year: 2005
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Trends in Ecology and Evolution 20(2): 59-62. doi:10.1016/j.tree.2004.11.015
