Although Our Current Understanding of Why Coral Bleaching Occurs Is

question 38

Multiple Choice

Although our current understanding of why coral bleaching occurs is incomplete, which of the following is consistent with the most commonly held hypothesis of this phenomenon as discussed in your text?

• A) As the number of planktonic, photosynthetic organisms available decreases due to increased predation, fewer symbionts are available for the corals to associate with.
• B) As pollutants and global temperatures continue to rise, corals will have more difficulty manufacturing the photosynthetic pigments they need to produce their own food.
• C) As the number of pollutants dumped into the world's oceans increases, more and more corals will use symbionts that are not photosynthetic.
• D) As global temperatures continue to rise, corals will expel more of their colourful, photosynthetic symbionts.

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Definitions:

Artery

A blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body's tissues.

Atherosclerosis

a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Arteriosclerosis

The thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of artery walls, which can restrict blood flow to organs and tissues.

Angiostenosis

A condition characterized by the narrowing of blood vessels.