What happens after coral is bleached?(1 point)
The coral dies immediately.
The coral is susceptible to starvation.
The coral produces peroxides.
The coral releases algae into the ocean.
I think the coral is susceptible to starvation.
From Internet:
Coral bleaching is the process when corals become white due to various stressors, such as changes in temperature, light, or nutrients. Bleaching occurs when coral polyps expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that live inside their tissue, causing the coral to turn white. The zooxanthellae are photosynthetic, and as the water temperature rises, they begin to produce reactive oxygen species.
What happens after coral is bleached?(1 point)
Responses
The coral is susceptible to starvation.
Which one of the following animals is most likely to be a keystone species, based on the food web provided?
(1 point)
There is no food web provided. Please provide the necessary information.
The most biodiverse ecosystem in the world is likely a(1 point)
Responses
rainforest.
To understand what happens after coral is bleached, let's first explain what coral bleaching is. Coral bleaching occurs when coral reefs lose their vibrant colors due to environmental stress, such as increased water temperature or pollution. The process involves the expulsion of photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae from the coral's tissues, which results in the coral's pale appearance.
After coral is bleached, several consequences can occur:
1. The coral is susceptible to starvation: The expelled zooxanthellae provide energy and nutrients to the coral through photosynthesis. Without them, the coral may struggle to obtain enough food, as it primarily relies on the mutual relationship with the algae for sustenance.
2. The coral may die: If the stressors causing the bleaching persist or worsen, the coral may not be able to recover, leading to its death. In some cases, the coral may take a long time to perish, but if conditions do not improve, it will eventually die.
3. The coral's vulnerability to diseases increases: Without the protective and nourishing presence of zooxanthellae, the coral becomes more susceptible to diseases that can further weaken and harm it.
4. The coral's reproductive capacity may decline: Bleaching can affect the coral's reproductive abilities, leading to reduced or impaired reproduction. This can have long-term consequences for the coral reef ecosystem.
It is important to note that while some coral reefs can recover from bleaching events if the stressors are alleviated, repeated or prolonged bleaching can have devastating effects on coral reef ecosystems. Conservation efforts, such as mitigating climate change and reducing pollution, are crucial to protecting coral reefs and preventing widespread bleaching.