The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is facing a serious threat from coral bleaching, a phenomenon in which corals lose their colorful symbiotic algae due to increasing seawater temperatures. Coral bleaching can make the corals more susceptible to disease and death, leading to a reduction in the biodiversity and resilience of the reef. Scientists say that reducing local sources of pollution, such as runoff from farms and sewage, could help improve water quality and lower the stress on the corals.

Question

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is facing a serious threat from coral bleaching, a phenomenon in which corals lose their colorful symbiotic algae due to increasing seawater temperatures. Coral bleaching can make the corals more susceptible to disease and death, leading to a reduction in the biodiversity and resilience of the reef. Scientists say that reducing local sources of pollution, such as runoff from farms and sewage, could help improve water quality and lower the stress on the corals.

According to the text, what is the main cause of coral bleaching?
Choose 1 answer:
Choose 1 answer:
(Choice A) Pollution from local farms and sewage systems
A
Pollution from local farms and sewage systems
(Choice B) Rising seawater temperatures
B
Rising seawater temperatures
(Choice C) A reduction in reef biodiversity
C
A reduction in reef biodiversity
(Choice D) Growing symbiotic algae populations
D
Growing symbiotic algae populations

Answer 1