There is a type of algae that lives in the cells of corals. These algae process carbon through photosynthesis and pass it on to corals in the form of glucose, a sugar that provides the energy corals need to survive and function. Corals offer protection for the algae and also produce wastes that the algae need for photosynthesis.
Warmer water temperatures caused by global warming disrupt photosynthesis in the algae, causing a poisonous build-up that threatens corals. This causes corals to force the algae out of their cells.
Predict what will happen to the algae and corals if global warming continues.
1 answer
If global warming continues, the build-up of toxins in the algae will increase, leading to more corals expelling the algae from their cells. Eventually, the corals will not receive enough glucose and energy from the algae, which will leave them weakened and vulnerable to disease and other stressors. This could result in widespread coral bleaching and ultimately the death of coral reefs. The algae, without the protection and resources provided by the corals, may struggle to survive and reproduce in the changing conditions, leading to a decline in their population as well. Overall, continued global warming could have devastating effects on both corals and the algae that live within them.
3 answers