What is a consequence of warming oceans on coral ecosystems?

What is a consequence of warming oceans on coral ecosystems?

• A. Coral bleaching is a consequence of warming that reduces biodiversity and habitat.
• B. Coral bleaching increases biodiversity.
• C. Coral bleaching has no ecological impact.
• D. Coral bleaching improves coral growth.

Answer: (C)

Warming oceans stress corals, triggering bleaching. When temperatures rise, corals expel their symbiotic algae, which provide most of their energy. Without these algae, corals lose color and energy, grow more slowly, and become more susceptible to disease; if bleaching is widespread or prolonged, many corals die, reducing live coral cover and the reef’s structural complexity. That loss of habitat and energy resources leads to declines in biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem services like fisheries and coastal protection. So coral bleaching is a consequence of warming that reduces biodiversity and habitat. Bleaching does not increase biodiversity, has ecological impacts, and does not improve growth.

Warming oceans stress corals, triggering bleaching. When temperatures rise, corals expel their symbiotic algae, which provide most of their energy. Without these algae, corals lose color and energy, grow more slowly, and become more susceptible to disease; if bleaching is widespread or prolonged, many corals die, reducing live coral cover and the reef’s structural complexity. That loss of habitat and energy resources leads to declines in biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem services like fisheries and coastal protection. So coral bleaching is a consequence of warming that reduces biodiversity and habitat. Bleaching does not increase biodiversity, has ecological impacts, and does not improve growth.