Question

In a small bay that contains a coral reef, the water temperature has remained the same for decades. Recently, scientists discovered that the water temperature in the bay has increased by 1°C. Which is most likely to happen?

The answer is the coral reef will experience a bleaching event. Can you please explain why? I am having trouble understanding why.

Answer 1

It is true that the coral reef will experience a bleaching event.

Step-by-step explanation:

You see, corals are made up of coral polyps, tiny, tiny, living beings that attach themselves to the coral, and they live together as the entire coral. In other words, every coral is a living community. These polyps have a very specific temperature range at which they can survive. So if the water temperature in the bay has increased, the polyps will not be able to thrive anymore, because most likely the temperature is too warm now, which causes them to die. This event in which the polyps die is called bleaching. I hope this can help!!