In a small bay that contains a coral reef, the water temperature has remained the same for decades. Recently, scientists discovered that the water temperature in the bay has increased by 1°C. Which is most likely to happen?(1 point)

Question

In a small bay that contains a coral reef, the water temperature has remained the same for decades. Recently, scientists discovered that the water temperature in the bay has increased by 1°C. Which is most likely to happen?(1 point)
Responses

The corals in the reef will immediately die.
The corals in the reef will immediately die.

The coral reef will undergo a period of intense growth.
The coral reef will undergo a period of intense growth.

The coral in the reef will gain more zooxanthellae.
The coral in the reef will gain more zooxanthellae.

The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The most likely outcome from a 1°C increase in water temperature in a small bay containing a coral reef is:

The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

Coral bleaching typically occurs when corals experience stress due to factors such as increased water temperature, leading to the loss of their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae). This can result in the corals losing their color and facing increased mortality if the stress conditions persist.