holobiont
HO-lo-BY-ent
Definition
The complete assemblage of a host organism (like a coral) and its entire community of symbiotic microbes and algae, which collectively function as a single ecological unit.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'holos' meaning 'whole' and 'bios' meaning 'life.' It was introduced in biological literature to describe the complex, integrated entity formed by a multicellular host and its diverse microbial symbionts.
In the news
The researchers describe the coral Oulastrea crispata and its stable partnership with stress-tolerant algae as a holobiont-level mechanism, meaning their collective, combined traits allow them to survive in harsh, polluted waters.
Genetic Structure and Environment-Linked Loci in a Resilient Coral Along Eutrophication Gradient
Read the full article ↗Bioengineer.org