What happens after coral is bleached?
a
The coral produces peroxides.
b
The coral is susceptible to starvation.
c
The coral releases algae onto a sand dune.
d
The coral dies immediately.
b. The coral is susceptible to starvation.
Bleaching occurs when corals lose their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) due to stressors like high temperatures, pollution, or other environmental changes. When corals bleach, they become pale or white because the algae provide color to them.
After coral bleaching, option b is correct: the coral becomes susceptible to starvation. This is because the coral and the algae have a mutualistic relationship, where the algae provide nutrients through photosynthesis and the coral provide a protected environment for the algae. When the algae are expelled, the coral loses its main source of food and energy. Without the algae, corals can struggle to obtain enough nutrients to survive, leading to potential starvation.
Therefore, option b is the correct response: The coral is susceptible to starvation after it is bleached.
b. The coral is susceptible to starvation.
When coral is bleached, it loses its symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which provides the coral with nutrients through photosynthesis. Without these algae, the coral is unable to receive enough food. As a result, the coral becomes susceptible to starvation, weakening its health and increasing the risk of mortality.