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NETSEX · 03-30-2009, 05:14 PM

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/0...orals-sex.html

Little strange ?

March 30, 2009 -- To switch from male to female and back again without the help of surgery is a feat that only a handful of organisms can accomplish, including some types of fish, shrimp, snails and worms. Now, a new study adds mushroom corals to the list.

It is the first study to show that any coral can change sex in either direction, let alone both.

Understanding why and when some corals make the switch may eventually help scientists protect them from the stresses of a changing environment. For now, the study remains a fascinating window into the biology and evolution of these corals.

"We know in detail the reproductive patterns of more than 500 coral species, but no one reported before on the fact that some coral species may change sex," said lead author Yossi Loya, a zoologist at Tel Aviv University. "I believe this was quite a big surprise to all coral reef scientists."

Mushroom corals belong to a family called Fungiidae. They are solitary, mobile species that live throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Mushroom corals are abundant and diverse, but how they reproduce is something scientists haven't known much about.

03-30-2009, 05:14 PM
NETSEX Persona on sale Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Mainstream Posts: 1,499	Stressed Female Mushroom Corals Become Male http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/0...orals-sex.html Little strange ? March 30, 2009 -- To switch from male to female and back again without the help of surgery is a feat that only a handful of organisms can accomplish, including some types of fish, shrimp, snails and worms. Now, a new study adds mushroom corals to the list. It is the first study to show that any coral can change sex in either direction, let alone both. Understanding why and when some corals make the switch may eventually help scientists protect them from the stresses of a changing environment. For now, the study remains a fascinating window into the biology and evolution of these corals. "We know in detail the reproductive patterns of more than 500 coral species, but no one reported before on the fact that some coral species may change sex," said lead author Yossi Loya, a zoologist at Tel Aviv University. "I believe this was quite a big surprise to all coral reef scientists." Mushroom corals belong to a family called Fungiidae. They are solitary, mobile species that live throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Mushroom corals are abundant and diverse, but how they reproduce is something scientists haven't known much about. __________________ Promote yourself in this signature!