Changing Coral Reef Quick Check

Question

4 of 44 of 4 Items
Question
What happens to algae when the temperature in the ocean becomes too hot? (1 point)
Responses

The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled.
The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled.

The algae thrive, providing benefits for coral.
The algae thrive, providing benefits for coral.

The algae become pale.
The algae become pale.

The algae are susceptible to infection.

Answer 1

When the temperature in the ocean becomes too hot, the correct response is:

The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled.

This process is part of coral bleaching, where stressed corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues, leading to a loss of color and vital energy sources.