SYDNEY, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have discovered that the ability of coral larvae to disperse over long distances plays a critical role in strengthening Great Barrier Reef coral populations.

Researchers from University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, revealed that well-connected coral communities are better equipped to adapt to climate change and recover from environmental disturbances, offering new hope for the future of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, according to a UQ statement released on Thursday.

"Species that don't disperse or breed as far are more likely to form isolated populations, reducing their capacity to recover from bleaching events or habitat degradation," said UQ PhD candidate Zoe Meziere.

Researchers examined the genetics of two coral species, Stylophora pistillata and Popillopora verrucosa, across reefs from Far North Queensland to Flinders Reef, a small isolated reef near Brisbane, Queensland.

The study found that S. pistillata larvae settle just 23 to 102 meters from their parent coral, while P. verrucosa larvae can disperse up to 52 kilometers, leading to greater genetic diversity and more resilient populations.

The study, detailed in Science Advances, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, highlights that supporting natural coral connectivity is vital for effective conservation, as greater genetic exchange boosts reefs' ability to recover and adapt. ■