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

A. the loss of zooxanthellae, organs that give off light
B. the loss of photophores, organs that give off light
C. the loss of zooxanthellae, which give coral their bright colors
D. the loss of photophores, which give coral their bright colors

1 answer

C. the loss of zooxanthellae, which give coral their bright colors

Mass coral bleaching events occur when corals expel the zooxanthellae living in their tissues, which results in the coral losing its vibrant colors and turning white. This can have harmful effects on the health and survival of the coral reefs.