An international team of scientists has uncovered new details about coral ecosystems, showing that each coral species hosts its own unique community of microbes. These findings reveal a previously unseen layer of diversity within coral reefs.
The research, which included scientists from the University of Galway, found that coral reefs are home to a wide range of microbes that produce chemicals with strong potential for use in medicine and biotechnology. The study was published in Nature.
Coral Reefs and Their Invisible Diversity
Often described as the rainforests of the sea, coral reefs support about one third of all visible marine life. They are vital biodiversity hotspots and provide important services such as supporting tourism and helping cycle nutrients in ocean ecosystems.
However, scientists now say much of their true diversity exists at a microscopic level. This hidden world, known as the microbiome, cannot be seen with the naked eye but plays a central role in reef health and function.
