What happens after coral bleaching?

Question

the coral live for a short time without the algae
the coral die immediately
the coral thrive and reproduce rapidly
the coral get more colorful

Answer 1

After coral bleaching, if the coral cannot recover sufficiently, they can die. However, if they do not die immediately, the coral can live for a short time without the algae. During this time, the coral may struggle to obtain enough food and can become more vulnerable to disease. Additionally, prolonged bleaching events can reduce the reproductive capacity of the coral, which can impact the future population. Ultimately, the outcome of coral bleaching depends on the severity of the event and the ability of the coral to recover.