Question

question 1 of 10
an experiment showed that the growth of pillar coral decreased in warm water in which other organisms blocked sunlight. which conclusion can be made based on these data?

a. pillar coral do not need zooxanthellae or sunlight to survive.

b. pillar coral need sunlight so the zooxanthellae inside them can make food.

c. pillar coral need warm water so they can live free of zooxanthellae.

d. pillar coral are unable to eat or digest zooxanthellae.

Explanation:

The experiment shows coral growth decreased when sunlight was blocked. Coral rely on zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) that use sunlight for photosynthesis to produce food. Blocking sunlight would reduce this food production, leading to slower growth. This aligns with option B. Other options contradict the data or biological knowledge: A claims no need for sunlight/zooxanthellae (opposite of results), C links warm water to avoiding zooxanthellae (unrelated), D claims inability to eat/digest zooxanthellae (not supported by the data).

Answer:

B. Pillar coral need sunlight so the zooxanthellae inside them can make food.