The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $426,296 Project Grant under the Biological Sciences (CFDA 47.074) program to the University of Texas at Austin. The grant supports research to investigate the ecological genomics of the Great Star Coral cryptic species complex in Florida coral reefs. The project aims to elucidate fundamental aspects of the ecology and adaptation of these genetically distinct but visually identical coral lineages. The research will use transcriptomics and genomics to determine the relative importance of plasticity within cryptic species versus ecological differentiation between them for the overall resilience of the coral complex under stress. The grant funds research, training for early-career marine biologists, and engagement with the public on the challenges facing marine ecosystems. The project period is from December 2024 to November 2027.
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