Question

question 3 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. pillar coral are a type of coral that needs sunlight to survive.
b. the zooxanthellae in a pillar corals body are alive.
c. zooxanthellae are a type of phytoplankton found in the ocean.
d. the pillar coral are an important part of many coral reefs.

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 symbiotic relationship, both organisms benefit. If the zooxanthellae were being eaten and digested, they would not be alive. Pillar coral needing sunlight (Option A) could be related to zooxanthellae's photosynthesis (a symbiotic aspect), but it's not as direct as Option B. Option C just defines zooxanthellae and Option D is about the coral's role in reefs, neither directly refuting the digestion - for - energy hypothesis.

Answer:

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