Mariah Opalek, at the water tanks where the research was conducted.

Coral growth depends on type of symbiotic algae they associate with

Scientists discover a surprising tradeoff in coral growth linked to the symbiotic algae they host. The research sheds light on the delicate balance that corals strike in adapting to rising ocean temperatures.

Corals derive much of their energy from the algae living within their soft tissue, and it appears that some symbiotic algae species help corals withstand warmer water better than others.