# Collaborative Research: RUI: Testing hypotheses of the reproductive energetic tradeoffs of facultative symbioses

> **NSF 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Tufts University (MA) · $689,238

## Abstract

Coral symbioses are comprised of animal, algal, and microbial members. The primary association, between the coral animal and its photosynthetic algal symbiont, is crucial for the coral host; most tropical corals are highly dependent on their algal symbionts and will bleach and subsequently die if this symbiosis is disrupted by poor environmental conditions, e.g. warming ocean waters. The Northern Star Coral, Astrangia poculata, a common species found in temperate coastal waters of eastern North America, exhibits a flexible symbiosis with its algal symbiont. Adjacent colonies, subjected to the same environmental conditions, can be found with few to many algal symbionts; some colonies appear stark white, seemingly bleached, whereas others are brown in color, containing photosynthesizing algal symbionts, and yet both types of colonies can be healthy. This unique aspect of the biology of A. poculata with its algal symbiont, Breviolum psygmophilum, will be used to examine how symbiosis affects the energy corals devote towards the basic tasks required of all organisms: development, growth, body maintenance, and reproduction. Given rapidly deteriorating ocean conditions for most corals worldwide, understanding how corals acquire and use energy with and without their symbionts, in different environmental conditions, is imperative. The project will support the education and research training of numerous undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds, and will support outreach efforts

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2540312
- **Awardee organization:** Tufts University (MA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WL9FLBRVPJJ7
- **PI:** Randi D Rotjan
- **Primary program:** 01002425DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $689,238
- **Funds obligated:** $689,238
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/01/2025 → 11/30/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2540312

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2540312, Collaborative Research: RUI: Testing hypotheses of the reproductive energetic tradeoffs of facultative symbioses. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2540312. Licensed CC0.

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