Question

An increase of what causes the bleaching of coral reefs?

Temperature

Evaporation

PH

salinity

Answer 1

The bleaching of coral reefs is primarily caused by an increase in **temperature**. Elevated sea temperatures can stress corals, leading them to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues. This loss of algae, which provide corals with food through photosynthesis and give them their color, results in the characteristic white or "bleached" appearance of coral reefs. While other factors like changes in pH, salinity, and evaporation can also impact coral health, temperature increase is the most significant driver of coral bleaching.