[Coral-List] Synergy or antagonism – interactions between stressors on coral reefs

[Richard Dunne]

In the light of the a session at the forthcoming Ocean Sciences Meeting 
(Feb 2010) on "Synergistic Interactions Between Coral Stressors"  the 
following Perspective published on line at Coral Reefs may be of 
interest to readers of Coral List:

SYNERGY OR ANTAGONISM - INTERACTIONS BETWEEN STRESSORS ON CORAL REEFS. 
Coral Reefs DOI: 10.1007/s00338-009-0569-6

Abstract: Throughout the coral reef scientific literature there are many 
examples where the words ‘synergy’ and ‘synergism’ are being misused, 
particularly in the area of study involving interactions between 
physical stressors. This Perspective discusses the concept of synergy 
and more generally, interactions; summarises the tools available for 
detecting and interpreting interactions, including the use of ANOVA, 
Generalized Linear Models, Classification and Regression Trees, and 
isobolographic analysis; and critically examines specific areas of the 
scientific literature where synergy has been reported. The aim is to 
promote further discussion of this topic, avoid future misuse of the 
term, and assist future experimental design and research into this subject.


Richard Dunne