Coral Skeletons: Interplay between Crystallographic Processes and Cellular, Physiological Mechanisms

Explore the fascinating world of coral skeletons in this comprehensive lecture by Prof. Jarosław Stolarski from the Institute of Paleobiology PAS, Warsaw. Delve into the fundamental question of how living organisms' functions, tissue organization, and skeletal structures are influenced by external physicochemical factors versus internal physiological regulation. Examine corals as prime examples, given their crucial role in building coral reefs and their ability to inhabit the deepest parts of the ocean. Discover how the macromorphology of coral skeletons serves as a sensitive recorder of environmental changes, with colonial corals exhibiting remarkable morphological plasticity in response to variations in light, water flow, and food particle transport. Learn about potential in silico modeling of these aspects and explore exciting collaborative research opportunities. Gain insights into the paradigm shift in understanding calcification mechanisms, moving from a purely physicochemical perspective to recognizing the predominant role of physiological processes in coral skeleton formation. This Warsaw colloquium for theoretical physics at CTP PAS offers a unique opportunity to understand the complex interplay between crystallographic processes and cellular mechanisms in coral skeletons.