How have rising ocean temperatures affected coral communities? (1 point) Responses Corals find fewer food sources when algal blooms increase due to warmer waters. Corals find fewer food sources when algal blooms increase due to warmer waters. Corals attract fewer algal species when they become warmer. Corals attract fewer algal species when they become warmer. Corals become less photosynthetic as the surrounding temperature increases. Corals become less photosynthetic as the surrounding temperature increases. Corals become bleached as they expel algae with increased temperatures

Answer 1

Rising ocean temperatures have affected coral communities primarily by causing corals to become bleached as they expel algae with increased temperatures. This process, known as coral bleaching, occurs when corals experience stress from higher temperatures, leading them to expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that live in their tissues. These algae are crucial for the health of corals, as they provide food through photosynthesis and give corals their vibrant colors. When the algae are expelled, the corals turn white (bleached) and lose an essential source of energy, making them more vulnerable to disease and mortality.