Population genetics of massive Porites in classic and extreme reefs on Palau

The goal of the study was to identify traits and microbial partners underpinning survival of corals in extreme reefs in Palau. These reefs are characterized by naturally high temperatures, yet they support high coral cover and diversity. A total of 90 colonies of massive Porites were sampled at six sites in Chelbacheb (the Rock Islands of Palau (n=3 classic and n=3 extreme sites, 15 samples corals per site). DNA was extracted from all samples and libraries were generated for population genetics approaches using 2b-RAD sequencing.