Question

What happens after coral is bleached? (1 point)
• The coral dies immediately.
• The coral produces peroxides.
• The coral releases algae into the ocean.
• The coral is susceptible to starvation.

Answer 1

After coral is bleached, the correct outcome is that **the coral is susceptible to starvation**. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, which provide them with food through photosynthesis. Without these algae, corals lose their primary food source and are at a higher risk of starvation.