Editing Endosymbiont (section)

===== Dinoflagellates =====
[[Dinoflagellate]] endosymbionts of the genus ''[[Symbiodinium]]'', commonly known as [[zooxanthella]]e, are found in [[corals]], [[mollusk]]s (esp. [[giant clam]]s, the ''Tridacna''), [[sea sponge|sponges]], and the unicellular [[foraminifera]]. These endosymbionts capture sunlight and provide their hosts with energy via [[carbonate]] deposition.<ref name=Baker2003>{{cite journal |author=Baker AC |s2cid=35278104 |title=Flexibility and Specificity in Coral-Algal Symbiosis: Diversity, Ecology, and Biogeography of Symbiodinium |journal=Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics |volume=34 |pages=661–89 |date=November 2003 |doi=10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.34.011802.132417 }}</ref>

Previously thought to be a single species, molecular [[phylogenetic]] evidence reported diversity in ''Symbiodinium''. In some cases, the host requires a specific ''Symbiodinium'' [[clade]]. More often, however, the distribution is ecological, with symbionts switching among hosts with ease. When reefs become environmentally stressed, this distribution is related to the observed pattern of [[coral bleaching]] and recovery. Thus, the distribution of ''Symbiodinium'' on coral reefs and its role in coral bleaching is an important in coral reef ecology.<ref name=Baker2003/>