Question

In a small bay that contains a coral reef, the water temperature has remained the same for decades. Recently, scientists discovered that the water temperature in the bay has increased by 1℃. Which is most likely to happen?(1 point)
Responses

The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.
The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

The corals in the reef will immediately die.
The corals in the reef will immediately die.

The coral in the reef will gain more zooxanthellae.
The coral in the reef will gain more zooxanthellae.

The coral reef will undergo a period of intense growth.

Answer 1

The coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

A sustained temperature increase stresses corals and causes them to expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), making them pale (bleached). If the stress persists, bleaching can lead to reduced growth and eventual coral death.