Ever wondered how coral reefs do more than just look pretty? A new study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, published this week in Science Advances, reveals that coral reefs actually set daily rhythms for nearby microbial communities! 🌞🦠
Researchers tracked bacteria and microalgae above a coral reef in the northern Gulf of Aqaba across winter and summer. They found that reef waters consistently host fewer microbes than open waters – thanks to active removal by reef organisms.
Even cooler: members of the Symbiodiniaceae family (coral's photosynthetic sidekicks) spike around midday, syncing with sunlight and coral metabolism. These diurnal cycles often outpace seasonal changes, showing that time of day is a key factor in reef ecology.
Why it matters: Daily microbial patterns could become a simple time-of-day tool for scientists to keep tabs on reef health as oceans change. 🌍❤️
Next time you dive or snorkel, remember: beneath the waves, reefs and microbes dance to a daily beat that keeps our blue planet humming.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
