The aim is to investigate how genomic changes in scleractinian corals relate to their heterotrophic adaptations.
Conducted genomic analysis of scleractinian corals.
Evaluated the impact of gene loss on heterotrophic strategies.
Assessed conservation implications for nonsymbiotic corals.
Identified specific gene losses associated with heterotrophic adaptations.
Revealed significant remodeling in vesicular transport mechanisms.
Highlighted conservation issues for nonsymbiotic corals facing global stressors.
Abstract
This study provides a genomic perspective on the evolution of heterotrophic strategies in scleractinian corals and highlights conservation concerns for nonsymbiotic corals under accelerating global stressors.