Traditionally, sponges are known to obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms. However, new research suggests they may also harness sunlight to enhance coral reef productivity.
Conducted by the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, the study highlights the potential for sponges to contribute up to 11% to the productivity of tropical coral reefs.
These findings, published in the journal Functional Ecology, could reshape our understanding of the ecological roles sponges play in marine environments.