Which of the following best describes the consequences of white-band disease in Caribbean coral reefs?
A) Staghorn coral is decimated by the pathogen, and Elkhorn coral takes its place.
B) Key habitat for lobsters, snappers, and other reef fishes improves.
C) Algal species take the place of the dead coral, and the fish community is dominated by herbivores.
D) Algal species take over and the overall reef diversity increases due to increases in primary productivity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

White-band disease primarily affects staghorn and elkhorn corals, leading to their death. As these corals die, algal species often colonize the dead coral structures. This shift in the ecosystem favors herbivorous fish that feed on the algae, altering the community structure towards a dominance of herbivores.

Which of the Following Best Describes the Consequences of White-Band