Question

exam lesson name: introduction to oceanography
exam number: 700703rr
exam guidelines
exam instructions
question 19 of 20 :
select the best answer for the question.

1. which of the following best describes the effect of coral bleaching on corals?

a. as temperatures increase, corals lose symbiotic algae, which provide most of their habitat.
b. as temperatures decrease, corals lose their symbiotic algae, which provide most of their energy.
c. as temperatures increase, corals lose their symbiotic algae, which provide most of their energy.
d. as temperatures increase, corals gain symbiotic algae, which hinder their ability to conduct photosynthesis.
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Explanation:

Coral bleaching occurs mainly due to increased water temperatures. Corals have symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that provide them with most of their energy through photosynthesis. When temperatures rise, corals expel these algae, leading to bleaching.

• Option A: Algae provide energy, not habitat, so A is wrong.
• Option B: Bleaching is due to temperature increase, not decrease, so B is wrong.
• Option D: Corals lose, not gain, symbiotic algae during bleaching, and algae help with photosynthesis (they don't hinder), so D is wrong.
• Option C: Correctly states that increased temperatures cause corals to lose symbiotic algae (which provide energy).

Answer:

C. As temperatures increase, corals lose their symbiotic algae, which provide most of their energy.