What happens to corals during bleaching?

Prepare for the Earth Science and Environmental Pollution Test. Study with engaging quizzes and detailed explanations on complex topics. Master your exam preparation here!

Multiple Choice

What happens to corals during bleaching?

Corals rely on a partnership with photosynthetic algae that live in their tissues. These algae provide most of the coral’s energy through photosynthesis and give corals their color. When environmental stress—like unusually warm water, high light, or pollution—hits, the algae become stressed and are expelled from the coral’s tissues. This leaves the coral pale or white (bleached) because the colorful algae are gone, and the coral loses a major energy source. Without enough energy, the coral’s growth slows and its disease resistance drops, making it vulnerable if the stressful conditions persist. So bleaching is about expelling the symbiotic algae, not gaining color or energy. Acidification affects the calcium carbonate skeleton more directly and isn’t what bleaching describes.

Corals rely on a partnership with photosynthetic algae that live in their tissues. These algae provide most of the coral’s energy through photosynthesis and give corals their color. When environmental stress—like unusually warm water, high light, or pollution—hits, the algae become stressed and are expelled from the coral’s tissues. This leaves the coral pale or white (bleached) because the colorful algae are gone, and the coral loses a major energy source. Without enough energy, the coral’s growth slows and its disease resistance drops, making it vulnerable if the stressful conditions persist. So bleaching is about expelling the symbiotic algae, not gaining color or energy. Acidification affects the calcium carbonate skeleton more directly and isn’t what bleaching describes.

More practice questions