Award: OCE-1408097

This project funded a workshop in which over 20 researchers from around the world collated, annotated and analyzed genomes from approximately 20 species of stony corals. The effort resulted in the development of a publically accessible website where anyone can search for specific coral genes and their distribution in this group of organisms or in other organsims. We further organized this effort to produce a manuscript that is accessible to the public. The results of the study revealed a set of core genes that are responsible for the production of coral skeletons - and we assert that these genes, in particular, are what distinguishes stony corals from any other group of extant animals. We also identified genes responsible for sensing environmental cues - such as light quality and quantity, and how those signals are potentially transmitted to elicit behavioral responses. Finally, we examined how the ensemble of coral genes has allowed these organsims to adapt to changes in their environment over geological time scales. This is the first comprehensive effort of its kind and it significantly enhances our knowledge of stony corals and their potential ability to survive the impending acidification of the ocean over the coming decades. Many participants developed new colleagues at the workshop, leading to further interactions. Last Modified: 02/11/2016 Submitted by: Paul G Falkowski