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 corals expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) — usually from stress like elevated water temperature — causing loss of color and vital energy sources.