Why is bleaching a sign that corals will die?
It means that corals need to be replaced
The corals are no longer protected or receiving sunlight
It means the corals are not getting oxygen and nutrients
The tissue has become soft
1 answer
Bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae living within their tissues, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis. This process is typically triggered by stressors such as high water temperatures or pollution. If the corals do not quickly recover and regain their algae symbionts, they will eventually die due to lack of nutrients and energy. Bleaching is therefore a warning sign that the corals are under stress and may not survive in the long term.