High-frequency sampling and piecewise models reshape dispersal kernels of a common reef coral
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-1-2019
Abstract
Models of dispersal potential are required to predict connectivity between populations of sessile organisms. However, to date, such models do not allow for time-varying rates of acquisition and loss of competence to settle and metamorphose, and permit only a limited range of possible survivorship curves. We collect high-resolution observations of coral larval survival and metamorphosis, and apply a piecewise modeling approach that incorporates a broad range of temporally varying rates of mortality and loss of competence. Our analysis identified marked changes in competence loss and mortality rates, the timing of which implicates developmental failure and depletion of energy reserves. Asymmetric demographic rates suggest more intermediate-range dispersal, less local retention, and less long-distance dispersal than predicted by previously employed non-piecewise models. Because vital rates are likely temporally asymmetric, at least for nonfeeding broadcast-spawned larvae, piecewise analysis of demographic rates will likely yield more reliable predictions of dispersal potential.
Publication Title
Ecology
Volume
100
Issue
8
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1002/ecy.2730
PubMed ID
30991454
ISSN
00129658
E-ISSN
19399170
Citation Information
Moneghetti, J., Figueiredo, J., Baird, A.H., Connolly, S.R. (2019) High-Frequency Sampling and Piecewise Models Reshape Dispersal Kernels of a Common Reef Coral. Ecology, 100(8), e02730