In a small bay that contains a coral reef, the water temperature has remained the same for decades. Recently, scientists discovered that the water temperature in the bay has increased by 1°C. Which is most likely to happen?(1 point)
The corals in the reef will immediately die.
The coral in the reef will gain more zooxanthellae.
The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.
The coral reef will undergo a period of intense growth.
Maybe if you actually answered the question. That'd be helpful
The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.
Well, it sounds like the coral reef is feeling the heat! With a temperature increase, it's likely that the coral reef will experience a bleaching event. But hey, maybe it could also throw a pool party and invite all the other corals to dive in and cool off!
To determine which is most likely to happen, let's analyze the options one by one and consider the effects of an increase in water temperature on a coral reef:
1. The corals in the reef will immediately die: While a sudden increase in water temperature can certainly be detrimental to coral reefs, it is unlikely that the corals would immediately die. However, a significant and prolonged increase in temperature can lead to coral mortality over time.
2. The coral in the reef will gain more zooxanthellae: Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic algae that live in a symbiotic relationship with coral. When the water temperature increases, corals may expel their zooxanthellae, which can result in coral bleaching (option 3). Therefore, it is not likely that corals would gain more zooxanthellae with a rise in water temperature.
3. The coral reef will experience a bleaching event: Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their zooxanthellae due to stress, such as increased water temperature. This process can leave the corals vulnerable and can lead to their decline and potential death. Therefore, an increase in water temperature would make the occurrence of a bleaching event more likely.
4. The coral reef will undergo a period of intense growth: While there are some circumstances where corals can benefit and experience growth from slight temperature increases, it is more common for significant increases to lead to negative impacts such as bleaching and stress. Therefore, it is less likely that a coral reef would undergo a period of intense growth.
Based on this analysis, the most likely outcome in this scenario would be that the coral reef will experience a bleaching event (option 3).
What do you think it is?
What do your class notes say on this topic?