The bleaching of coral reefs is primarily caused by an increase in temperature. Elevated sea temperatures stress coral polyps, leading them to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues. This algae is crucial for the corals' color and provides them with nutrients through photosynthesis. When the algae are expelled, the corals lose their color and the vital nutrients, leading to bleaching. While factors such as changes in pH, evaporation, and salinity can also affect coral health, temperature increase is the most significant driver of coral bleaching.
An increase of what causes the bleaching of coral reefs temperature pH evaporation salinity
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