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Fragmentation in Montipora ramosa: the genet and ramet concept applied to a reef coral

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Abstract

The fates of Montipora ramosa fragments have been followed and related to physical factors on the reef. The degree of genetic homogeneity between colonies of M. ramosa was assessed by reciprocal grafting techniques, and the cross reef cline interpreted in terms of the degree of fragmentation. Two botanical terms, genet and ramet, referring to individuals derived from sexual (planula settlement) and asexual (fragmentation of colonies) processes respectively have been introduced to the coral literature.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marine Biology, James Cook University of North Queensland, 4811, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

    A. J. Heyward & J. D. Collins

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  1. A. J. Heyward
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  2. J. D. Collins
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Heyward, A.J., Collins, J.D. Fragmentation in Montipora ramosa: the genet and ramet concept applied to a reef coral. Coral Reefs 4, 35–40 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302202

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