Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2024, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (6): 13-26.doi: 10.11978/2023189CSTR: 32234.14.2023189

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A review on the population genetics of scleractinian corals

HUANG Wen1,2(), FENG Yi1,2, LI Ming1,2, WU Qian1,2, LUO Yanqiu1,2, CHEN Yinmin1,2, WANG Lirong3, YU Kefu1,2,4()   

  1. 1. Coral Reef Research Center of China, School of Marine Science, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
    2. Guangxi Laboratory on the Study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
    3. Marine Environmental Engineering Center, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
    4. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
  • Received:2023-12-07 Revised:2024-01-27 Online:2024-11-10 Published:2024-12-05
  • Contact: YU Kefu
  • Supported by:
    Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(2023GXNSFAA026510); National Natural Science Foundation of China(42090041); National Natural Science Foundation of China(41866006); National Natural Science Foundation of China(42030502)

Abstract:

With the rapid degradation of coral reefs due to global warming and anthropogenic impacts, implementing the measures of conservation and restoration for coral reefs are extremely urgent. The genetic diversity and connectivity of coral populations can reflect their adaptive potential and resilience when responding to environmental stresses, and is a key scientific basis for the restoration and management of coral reef ecosystem. This review aims to identify studies on the population genetics of scleractinian corals in typical marine areas, and discusses the factors that may affect the genetic structure of corals. In general, most of studies are concentrated in regions such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Caribbean. Microsatellite markers still remain the most widely used molecular markers. Breeding mode, isolation-by-distance, isolation-by-environment and human activities are significant factors affecting the genetic structure and genetic diversity of corals. Finally, this review analyzes the current problems and development trends of the population genetics of scleractinian corals in the South China Sea, with expectation to providing reference for the protection and restoration of coral reefs in China.

Key words: scleractinian corals, molecular marker, genetic diversity, genetic structure, influencing factors

CLC Number: 

  • Q953