The Photobiology of the Reef Coral Pocillopora damicornis and Symbiotic Zooxanthellae

Abstract

Statement of purpose: The scope of this dissertation was restricted to exemplary studies on the effects of spectrum, intensity and modulation (as described above) of the photic environment of the common reef coral Pocillopora damicornis and its symbiotic dinoflagellate algae. Various aspects of its biology were investigated. In some cases direct comparison was wade with othar species to emphasize similarities or differences. The central hypothesis of this dissertation can be stated as follows: Subtle changes in the spectrum, intensity and modulation of the natural photic environment can produce a profound effect on growth, reproduction, primary production and general metabolism of the reef corals.