M.Sc. in Marine Sciences

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México. 2013-2015.

Explored how colony geometry modulates the light environment, photoacclimation and energy balance in corals

Abstract

My master’s research explored how coral colony geometry influences light availability, photoacclimation and energetic performance in symbiotic corals. Using experimental manipulations of surface inclination, I demonstrated that colony shape significantly alters the light environment experienced by in hospite zooxanthellae, affecting their photosynthetic performance and energy balance. The observed photoacclimation responses—comparable to those along depth gradients—highlight that morphological variation plays a key role in defining the light niche and energetic potential of reef-building corals.