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2012/feb |
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Representative samples of coral Desmophyllum dianthus obtained in Pitipalena and Comau fjords, will be compared with those collected from the Mediterranean and other places in world, to study their genetic variation, population structure and conservation, among others.
In February, we had a pleasant visit from Anna Maria Addamo, FPI Predoctoral Fellow of the National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN) in Madrid, who is conducting a study on genetic variation, population structure and conservation of coral Desmophyllum dianthus in the Chilean fjords of Patagonia.
The chilean fjords, according to Anna, would have among other features and endemism, populations of this species with unique characteristics, being of great scientific interest and conservation.
Desmophyllum dianthus coral is considered within the oceans as a kind of depth, and living between 200 and 2500 meters, one except precisely the Chilean coast. In fjords Comau (Huinay) and Pitipalena (Raul Marin Balmaceda) found from 8 to 12 meters deep. New Zealand’s fjords would be other exception, found from 4 meters.
Chilean populations had another unique feature, which is the association of this coral to certain microalgae. A genetic study would aim to identify changes that caused or allowed to adapt to such different ways and at what time they occurred.
Therefore, the interest of the researcher for the study of evolution of these corals and provide accurate data for conservation, based on knowledge of the genetic status of their populations. Being fundamental this comparison of the Mediterranean and rest of the world individuals studied to date, with those found in the Pacific coast of Chile, around Anihue Reserve.
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