How do high temperatures affect corals?
High temperatures can have severe consequences on corals, leading to a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. When exposed to exceptionally warm waters, corals become stressed and expel the symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues. These algae provide corals with essential nutrients through photosynthesis and give them their vibrant colors.
Without the algae, the corals appear white or pale, hence the term "bleaching." The loss of these symbiotic algae weakens the corals and makes them more vulnerable to diseases, predators, and mortality. If the temperature remains high for an extended period, the coral may eventually die.
When coral bleaching occurs on a large scale and affects massive coral reef systems, it can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems. Coral reefs are vital habitats, supporting a tremendous diversity of marine species. The loss of corals can disrupt the entire food chain, affecting fish populations, coastal protection, and tourism industries that depend on healthy reefs.
Therefore, high temperatures not only harm corals directly but also have significant ecological and economic consequences.