Asked by rachel

What is the best description of the relationship between zooxanthellae and coral polyps?



(1 point)
Responses

It is a parasitic relationship in which the zooxanthellae burrow themselves within the tissue of the polyp and take nutrients from them
It is a parasitic relationship in which the zooxanthellae burrow themselves within the tissue of the polyp and take nutrients from them

The zooxanthellae are a sign of distress on the reef - they invade the polyps and cause coral bleaching
The zooxanthellae are a sign of distress on the reef - they invade the polyps and cause coral bleaching

It is a symbiotic relationship in which they both depend on one another for survival
It is a symbiotic relationship in which they both depend on one another for survival

It is a predator-prey relationship because the polyps feed on the zooxanthellae

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
It is a symbiotic relationship in which they both depend on one another for survival.
Zooxanthellae provide photosynthates (energy) to the coral, and the coral supplies protection, CO2, and nutrients.