In studies on coral–algal interactions, particular attention has been devoted to corals. Focusing on the macroalgal genus Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae), common on coral reefs and extensively studied in coral–algal interactions, this review aims to summarize what is known and highlight the conditions necessary for Lobophora blooms, the contrasting effects on corals, and the taxonomic and functional diversity of the genus. Studies show that under normal conditions, Lobophora–coral interactions are natural and pose no specific threat to corals as long as the algal cover is controlled by coral defenses and herbivory. In contrast, disturbances freeing-up space for colonization and reducing herbivory permit Lobophora in association with other seaweeds to opportunistically take over reefs and by density-dependent negative feedbacks prevent corals from recovering. Lobophora is, however, a species-rich group and only certain Lobophora species thrive in degraded reefs, and the specificities of interactions and phase shifts will vary among species, thus stressing the importance of taxonomic identification in the study of coral–algal interactions. This review accentuates the complexity of coral–algal interactions and the importance to consider not only the taxonomy of corals and seaweeds but also their life history traits, ecology, microbiome, and the environmental settings.

中文翻译：

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Lobophora –珊瑚相互作用和相变：当前知识和未来方向的总结

在关于珊瑚与藻类相互作用的研究中，特别关注了珊瑚。本文着眼于常见于珊瑚礁且在珊瑚与藻类相互作用中进行了广泛研究的大型藻类Lobophora（双齿类，Phaeophyceae），该综述旨在总结已知的知识，并强调Lobophora盛开所需的条件，对珊瑚的反作用以及属的分类和功能多样性。研究表明，在正常条件下，只要藻类的覆盖受到珊瑚防御和草食动物的控制，罗波弗拉与珊瑚的相互作用是自然的，不会对珊瑚构成特定的威胁。相反，扰动释放了用于定殖和减少草食的空间，使Lobophora与其他海藻相结合，以机会性地接管珊瑚礁，并通过依赖密度的负反馈阻止珊瑚恢复。然而，Lobophora是一个物种丰富的群体，只有某些Lobophora物种才能在退化的珊瑚礁中壮成长，相互作用的特异性和相移在物种之间会有所不同，因此强调了分类学鉴定在研究珊瑚与藻类相互作用中的重要性。这篇评论强调了珊瑚与藻类相互作用的复杂性，以及不仅要考虑珊瑚和海藻的分类学，而且还要考虑其生活史特征，生态学，微生物组和环境设置的重要性。