Synopsis
The microbiome is considered a critical component of the coral meta-organism. Members of the microbiome play a role in the defence and nutrient acquisition of coral, however the microbial community is also highly diverse and transient. The project: “Temporal Dynamics of Coral Microbiome Following Thermal Stress” investigates the community structure of the coral microbiome over time and throughout heat stress disturbance events.
Aims
The project aims to determine the seasonal changes in the coral microbiome and the influence of thermal stress events on microbial community structure.
Student benefits
You’ll gain experience and skills in the following:
- microbial ecology
- handling large datasets
- data analysis
- an understanding of the biology and ecology of coral reefs.
Get involved
To learn more about this project, contact A/Prof. Tracy Ainsworth.