Which of the following best describes the consequences of white-band disease in Caribbean coral reefs?
A) Staghorn coral has been decimated by the pathogen, and Elkhorn coral has taken its place.
B) Key habitat for lobsters, snappers, and other reef fishes has improved.
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.
E) Other coral species take the place of the affected Staghorn and Elkhorn species.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

White-band disease has led to significant mortality in Staghorn and Elkhorn corals in the Caribbean, resulting in their replacement by algal species. This shift alters the ecosystem, favoring herbivorous fish that feed on the algae, rather than maintaining the previous biodiversity supported by healthy coral.

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