The species interactions that sustain ecosystems

Ecosystems are built on complex species interactions

A complex network of species interactions underpins the stability and resilience of ecosystems. Certain keystone species interactions play a disproportionately large role in supporting ecosystem function and biodiversity.

This is exemplified by the symbiotic relationship between algae and corals that sustains coral reef ecosystems - with algae transferring photosynthetically derived nutrients to their cnidarian coral hosts.

Building and breaking symbiosis

Using the Cnidarian sea anemone ‘Aiptasia’ as a model system and a combination of experimental and computational approaches, we are uncovering how the symbiotic relationship developed between Cnidarians and their algal symbionts is built and broken.