Fluorescence emission as an early indicator of coral health and as a visual cue for symbiotic algae: The effect on STEM interest after a field trip to a public aquarium
Abstract
Scleractinian coral rely on the photosynthetic byproducts gained from their dinoflagellate endosymbiont. Bleaching events break down the symbiosis leaving the coral with reduced fecundity or dead. Examining the symbiotic relationship is crucial for continued coral survival. This research tested the change in coral fluorescence emission as an indicator of coral stress. The findings were variable and suggest fluorescent emission intensity could be an indicator of coral health, only in response to light and temperature stress. Emission measurement was not found to be a reliable indicator of coral health in response to salinity and pH manipulations. Once a coral has bleached, coral needs to repopulate their tissues with one or many species of endosymbionts. This research found a positive phototactic response of three dinoflagellates in response to a green fluorescing coral, suggesting an adaptive function of fluorescence as a mechanism to attract symbionts for repopulation after a coral has been subject to bleaching. Continued research today and in the future is key to understanding and sustaining coral reef systems. Unfortunately, the number of students who pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields will not meet the demands for future researchers. Informal science learning has been indicated as the necessary factor in inspiring student interest in science, facilitating increased interest to pursue a STEM field. The Oklahoma Aquarium was utilized to explore the impact of a field trip to a science center on a student's interest in STEM. Students who participated in a field trip believed that science was more "fun" after the field trip as compared to the commencement. Students who participated in an additional educational program indicated their increased desire to pursue a STEM field in addition to their change in attitude regarding science.
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