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 experience a bleaching event.
The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

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.

1 answer

The most likely response is:

The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

Coral bleaching can occur when water temperatures increase, causing corals to expel their symbiotic zooxanthellae, which provide them with nutrients and color. This can lead to decreased health and potential mortality of the corals if the stressful conditions persist.