Question

A coral reef near you is experiencing a mass coral bleaching event. What does this MOST likely mean the reef is experiencing?(1 point)Responsesdecreasing water temperaturesdecreasing water temperaturesthe loss of its zooxanthellaethe loss of its zooxanthellaean increase in exotic speciesan increase in exotic speciesdestruction from cruise ships

Answer 1

The loss of its zooxanthellae.

Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae)—usually from heat stress—causing the coral to turn white and lose a major energy source.