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

Responses

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

The algae become pale.
The algae become pale.

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.

1 answer

When the temperature in the ocean becomes too hot, the algae become harmful to coral and are expelled. This process is often associated with coral bleaching, where stressed corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues, leading to a loss of color and essential nutrients for the coral.