Coral bleaching refers to
A) the killing of coral formations by chlorine bleach pollution.
B) the replacement of normal, colored algae by white algae.
C) the loss of algae from the coral.
D) All of the above are included within the definition of coral bleaching.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Coral bleaching occurs when the symbiotic algae that live inside coral tissues are expelled or die off, causing the coral to turn white. This can be caused by various factors such as high water temperatures, pollution, and other stressors. Chlorine bleach pollution can kill coral formations but it is not specifically referred to as coral bleaching. The replacement of normal, colored algae by white algae is not a correct characterization of coral bleaching, rather it is the loss of algae from the coral that causes the bleaching. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Coral Bleaching Refers to