What happens to algae when the temperature in the ocean becomes too hot? (1 point)

Question

Responses

The algae are susceptible to infection.
The algae are susceptible to infection.

The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled.
The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled.

The algae thrive, providing benefits for coral.
The algae thrive, providing benefits for coral.

The algae become pale.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled.

When ocean temperatures rise, some algae, particularly the symbiotic ones (zooxanthellae) associated with coral, can become stressed. This often leads to a situation called coral bleaching, where the algae are expelled from the coral, resulting in a loss of color and the benefits they provide, making the coral more vulnerable to disease and mortality.