Question

question 3
think about the article. what makes coral reefs lose their color?
a. the coral release the algae.
b. the water around the reef cools.
c. too many coral are part of the reef.
d. too many fish feed on the coral.
submit

Explanation:

Coral reefs lose their color (coral bleaching) when the coral expels the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. The algae provide the coral with color, among other things. When expelled (due to stress like warm water temperatures, not cooling as in option B), the coral's translucent tissue and white skeleton are more visible, making it look bleached. Options C (too many coral in a reef is normal as reefs are made of many coral polyps) and D (fish feeding on coral is a normal ecological interaction but not the cause of color - loss) are incorrect.

Answer:

A. The coral release the algae.