KAUST Research: Corals pass on more than genes

Marine scientists at KAUST are studying the way corals respond to changing oceanic conditions. Findings show that corals can learn from their experiences, adapt, and then pass this information on to their offspring. These adaptations occur gradually over time. With ocean temperatures rising due to climate change, the scientists wondered: Could corals learn to adjust more quickly? By growing corals in elevated temperature environments, they hope to cultivate resilient traits that could help future generations of coral to survive.