A matter of choice: Understanding the interactions between epiphytic foraminifera and their seagrass host Halophila stipulacea
Benthic foraminifera are key epiphytes in seagrass meadows, yet the nature of their interaction with seagrass hosts is not always clear. This study used a mesocosm “choice” experiment where foraminifera could settle on H. stipulacea or on plastic seagrass mimics. Foraminifera significantly preferred H. stipulacea, with especially strong settlement in the root/rhizome compartments, and patterns increased with shoot age over time. Microbiome analysis suggests H. stipulacea supports a richer epiphytic microbial community that may facilitate settlement.
PUBMED:
PMID: 38479296Date:
April 29, 2024