Question

question 4 of 10
a student hypothesized that pillar coral eat and digest zooxanthellae for energy. which observation would cause the student to change this hypothesis?
a. zooxanthellae are a type of phytoplankton found in the ocean.
b. the pillar coral are an important part of many coral reefs.
c. the zooxanthellae in a pillar corals body are alive.
d. pillar coral are a type of coral that needs sunlight to survive.

Explanation:

If the zooxanthellae in a pillar coral's body are alive, it suggests a symbiotic relationship rather than the coral eating and digesting them for energy. In a predator - prey (eating and digesting) scenario, the prey (zooxanthellae) would likely be dead. But if they are alive, it implies a mutualistic or other non - predatory relationship.

Answer:

C. The zooxanthellae in a pillar coral's body are alive.