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Question

01:23

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.

Answer 1

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.