Question
This image shows what happens to the corals of coral reefs when the seawater temperature increases due to global warming.
image
What impact might a temperature increase and coral bleaching MOST LIKELY have on a coral reef ecosystem?
A.
Other marine organisms may fill the niche once filled by the coral.
B.
Algae may move to other coral on the reef, resulting in a change in where fish species are located.
C.
The reef's biodiversity may decline with the loss of algae, coral, and other species that depend upon them for food.
D.
The reef's biodiversity may increase as other species of algae that can tolerate a temperature change move into the coral.
image
What impact might a temperature increase and coral bleaching MOST LIKELY have on a coral reef ecosystem?
A.
Other marine organisms may fill the niche once filled by the coral.
B.
Algae may move to other coral on the reef, resulting in a change in where fish species are located.
C.
The reef's biodiversity may decline with the loss of algae, coral, and other species that depend upon them for food.
D.
The reef's biodiversity may increase as other species of algae that can tolerate a temperature change move into the coral.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most likely impact of a temperature increase and coral bleaching on a coral reef ecosystem would be:
**C. The reef's biodiversity may decline with the loss of algae, coral, and other species that depend upon them for food.**
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues due to stress from rising temperatures. This results in the loss of color and essential nutrients for the corals, leading to weakened coral health and potential death. As corals and the algae they depend on decline, the entire ecosystem suffers, including the various marine species that rely on the reef for habitat and food.
**C. The reef's biodiversity may decline with the loss of algae, coral, and other species that depend upon them for food.**
Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues due to stress from rising temperatures. This results in the loss of color and essential nutrients for the corals, leading to weakened coral health and potential death. As corals and the algae they depend on decline, the entire ecosystem suffers, including the various marine species that rely on the reef for habitat and food.