Reproductive synchrony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Reproductive synchrony, or synchronous spawning is a term used in evolutionary biology and behavioural ecology to describe the way in which many species time reproduction to a proximate cue. The term can operate on the level of individuals or entire communities. When multiple species are involved, the phenomenon is often referred to as mass spawning. Mass spawning has been observed and recorded in a large number of phyla, including in coral communities within the Great Barrier Reef[1] [2].
[edit] References
- ^ Harrison, P.L., Babcock, R.C., Bull, G.D., Oliver, J.K., Wallace, C.C., Willis, B.L., (1984). "Mass Spawning in Tropical Reef Corals". Science 223 (4641): 1186-1189.
- ^ Babcock, R.C., Bull, G.D., Harrison, P.L., Heyward A.J., Oliver, J.K., Wallace, C.C., Willis, B.L. (1986). "Synchronous spawnings of 105 scleractinian coral species on the Great Barrier Reef". Marine Biology 90 (3): 379-394.
