Question

The Florida reef tract has experienced six mass coral bleaching events. Which of the following BEST explains mass coral bleaching events?

(1 point)

the loss of photophores, which give coral their bright colors


the loss of zooxanthellae, which give coral their bright colors


the loss of zooxanthellae, organs that give off light


the loss of photophores, organs that give off light

Answer 1

the loss of zooxanthellae, which give coral their bright colors

Coral bleaching occurs when stressed corals (often from elevated temperatures) expel their symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, causing the coral to lose color and much of its primary food source.