Scubaism

Scientists studying the reproduction of scleractinian corals in tropical reefs have found that coral are spawning simultaneous to create new coral hybrids.

In highly synchronized events, up to 35 species in sympatry may spawn within two hours of each other.

Outcomes of hybridization are likely to be significant for the future resilience of reef corals by providing options for rapid response to changing environments and climatologies as well as increasing resilience to novel disease challenges.

In other words, the new hybrids could adapt to new environments, including that of warmer oceans due to global warming.