Genomic evidence suggests coral reefs may be rewriting their genetic future in real time

AI Summary

Genomic studies suggest coral reefs around Mo'orea in French Polynesia may be rapidly adapting their genetics in response to a mass mortality event caused by a 2019 heatwave. The bleaching event led to up to 80% mortality in certain coral populations, raising prospects for ongoing genetic change amid environmental stress.

The 2019 heat wave that struck Mo'orea—a volcanic island in French Polynesia—swept through its coral reefs like an invisible wildfire. Colorful, lively corals bleached into ghostly, chalk-white skeletons as soaring ocean temperatures triggered a mass mortality event (MME) that wiped out up to 80% of some local coral populations.