Relative importance of top-down and bottom-up controls influencing Turbinaria ornata biomass varies with depth
Abstract
Tropical reefs have experienced declines in coral due to multiple human-caused stressors, often leading to algal domination. The stability of these emergent algal communities is influenced by anthropogenic changes to top-down control by herbivory and bottom-up control by nutrient availability. In the South Pacific, Turbinaria ornata has increased in abundance since the 1980s, particularly in shallow areas of the reef, likely in response to alterations of these controlling forces. We investigated whether herbivory, nutrient availability, habitat depth, and/or their interactions influence growth and physical defenses (toughness) of small (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
Marine and coastal plant biology
Marine and fisheries research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
- Volume
- 595
- Pages
- 152162–152162
- Publication date
- 10 January 2026
- Language
- EN