During this visit, we will be collecting samples and data to characterize thermal tolerance and trait variation in two Acropora species on the North Shore of Moorea. To achieve this work, we will be going out on the station boats on a daily basis to collect samples in the morning and returning to the station in the afternoon to run our experiments. Using portable aquaria set up, we will assay thermal tolerance in 40 individuals of two species each at two sites (160 colonies total) over the course of our visit. We will use collected samples to additionally characterize physiological, morphological, and genomic variation in these same individuals. From this information, we will determine the heritability of key bleaching-associated traits and the extent to which trait interactions vary across these two species. Finally, we will collect whole-colony data using in situ 3D photogrammetry. Essentially, we will take many photos of a colony and then digitally reconstruct its 3D structure from these images. These data will allow us to (1) examine trait interactions and their contributions to individual-level thermal tolerance and (2) calculate the heritability of these traits through estimates of relatedness. Ultimately, this work will inform our understanding of the potential for multi-trait adaptation in ecologically significant Acropora species in Moorea.

Approved