The coral reef physiology group is studying corals and coral reef associated organisms using morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular-biological techniques.
The following research topics we are focusing on.
- Coral diseases: Detailing the morphological and physiological characteristics of diseases and coral-killing sponges currently impacting corals and researching their cures. (Yamashiro)
- Coral bleaching: Investigating the mechanisms governing the corals response to increases in seawater temperature, including variations in bleaching sensitivity and potential means for adaptation. (Takahashi)
- Gamete recognition in marine invertebrates: How do gametes of the coral and sea cucumber interact with each other and fertilize in a species-specific manner? (Morita)
- Evolution of reproductive behavior and sperm in cichlids in Lake Tanganyika: Cichlids in Lake Tanganyika are endemic and show variety-rich reproductive behavior. We study evolutionary correlation of behavior and sperm motility and fertilization-related proteins. (Morita)
Coral-killing sponge Terpios hoshinota overgrowing tabular Acropora (Okinawa Is).
Coral bleaching caused by heat stress.
Acropora spp. that spawns around full moon on June.
Cichlid in lake Tanganyika: mating systems, reproductive tactics are diverse among the cichlids.
Member
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Professor | Hideyuki Yamashiro |
| Professor | Shunichi Takahashi |
| Associate Prof. | Masaya Morita |
| Adjunct Prof.) | Akihiro Takemura |