Question

exit ticket

1. **describe the ecological relationship between the coral and the zooxanthellae algae.
2. how does coral bleaching directly affect the coral?

(a) coral becomes stronger and grows faster.
(b) coral loses its color and energy source.
(c) coral attracts more fish to the reef.
(d) coral produces more zooxanthellae algae.

Explanation:

1. The coral - zooxanthellae relationship is mutualistic. Zooxanthellae live within coral polyps. They perform photosynthesis, providing the coral with oxygen and glucose for energy. In return, the coral provides the algae with a protected environment and nutrients like carbon dioxide and phosphates.
2. Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the zooxanthellae algae living in their tissues. Since the zooxanthellae give coral its color and are a major energy source through photosynthesis, the coral loses its color and energy source.

Answer:

1. The coral and zooxanthellae algae have a mutualistic relationship. The zooxanthellae live inside the coral polyps, perform photosynthesis, providing oxygen and glucose to the coral for energy. The coral provides the zooxanthellae with a protected environment and nutrients such as carbon - dioxide and phosphates.
2. B. Coral loses its color and energy source.