the bomb

Symbiotic relationships have been observed amongst a vast range of organisms throughout nature. One such host-symbiont relationship that has been observed is that of sea anemones and their algal symbionts. The full extent and dynamics of these relationships, such as the factors that influence, regulate, and limit these relationships, are not fully understood. This study (LaJeunesse and Trench, 2000) compiles and analyzes the genetic profiles of dinoflagellate symbionts found in the sea anemone, Anthopleura elegantissima, gathered …

…at a rate that allows it to out compete the S. californium in the northern climates. The specificity of the host-symbiont relationship depends on the interplay of numerous factors. The host Cnidarians are exposed to extensive amounts of different microalgal species but they are very selective, forming symbiotic relationships with few algal species. Better understanding of the mechanisms and extent of the physical environment’s influence on the dynamics of symbiotic relationships requires further experimentation