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 are susceptible to infection.
The algae are susceptible to infection.

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

The algae become pale.
The algae become pale.

The algae thrive, providing benefits for coral.

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, often referred to as "coral bleaching," occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, leading to a loss of color and essential nutrients, which can ultimately harm the corals.