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Feature
Coral Bleaching
Question 1
Part A Coral reefs are very susceptible to changes in the ocean. This is due in part to a symbiotic relationship shared between coral and algae. The ideal conditions for coral growth can be seen in Table1.
Table 1. Ideal Conditions for Coral Growth
Condition Minimum Maximum
Temperature (°C) 23 29
pH 7.8 8.5
In an area with many coral reefs, an ecologist tests the waters. Their findings are shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Measured Conditions
Temperature (°C) 21
pH 8.2
Using the infographic, select the most likely conclusion.
Responses
A The coral will likely be unaffected.The coral will likely be unaffected.
B The coral will likely continue to live, but will not thrive.The coral will likely continue to live, but will not thrive.
C The coral will like bleach and eventually die.The coral will like bleach and eventually die.
D The coral is likely to adapt and thrive in these conditions.The coral is likely to adapt and thrive in these conditions.
Question 2
Part B Which of these provides the best evidence for your answer to Part A?
Responses
A The current temperature does not match the temperature that best supports coral growth.The current temperature does not match the temperature that best supports coral growth.
B The coral are able to easily adapt to changes in the oceans temperature and pH.The coral are able to easily adapt to changes in the oceans temperature and pH.
C The current pH does not match the pH that best supports coral growth.The current pH does not match the pH that best supports coral growth.
D The ocean's temperature and pH are within the range for coral growth.
Question 1: The most likely conclusion is B. The coral will likely continue to live, but will not thrive.
Question 2: The best evidence for this answer is A. The current temperature does not match the temperature that best supports coral growth.
Question 1 - Part A:
The most likely conclusion based on the given information is:
C. The coral will likely bleach and eventually die.
Question 2 - Part B:
The best evidence for the answer to Part A is:
A. The current temperature does not match the temperature that best supports coral growth.
To answer Part A of Question 1, we need to compare the measured conditions in Table 2 to the ideal conditions for coral growth in Table 1. We can see that the measured temperature is 21°C, which is below the minimum temperature of 23°C for coral growth. However, the measured pH of 8.2 falls within the acceptable range of 7.8-8.5.
Based on this information, we can eliminate options A and D. Since the temperature is below the minimum required for coral growth, it is likely that the coral will not thrive. This leaves us with options B and C.
To determine the most likely conclusion, we need to consider the effect of the temperature on the coral. Coral reefs are very susceptible to changes in ocean conditions, and a decrease in temperature can lead to coral bleaching.
Therefore, the most likely conclusion would be option C: The coral will likely bleach and eventually die.
For Part B of Question 2, we need to find the evidence that supports our answer to Part A. Option A states that the current temperature does not match the temperature that best supports coral growth. This aligns with our conclusion that the coral will likely bleach and die due to the temperature being below the minimum required.
Hence, option A provides the best evidence for our answer to Part A.