Coral Bleaching and Coloration Effects

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems supporting a quarter of marine biodiversity. They rely on a symbiotic relationship with algae, which provides nutrition and coloration. Rising temperatures and stress can lead to coral bleaching, where corals lose their algae and turn white. However, some bleaching events result in vibrant colors due to pigments produced by the coral itself. These pigments help protect and potentially aid in the recovery of the algae. Understanding these processes can help assess reef health and recovery potential.

What percentage of the world's biodiversity is associated with coral reefs?

• 10%

• 25%

• 75%

• 50%

What is the primary cause of coral bleaching?

• Overfishing

• Pollution

• Rising sea temperatures

• Increased salinity

What is the visual result of coral bleaching?

• Corals turn red

• Corals turn black

• Corals turn white

• Corals turn green

What causes the vibrant colors in colorful bleaching?

• Water temperature

• Mineral deposits

• Coral-produced pigments

• Algal pigments

Which family of proteins is responsible for the neon glow in corals?

• Blue fluorescent protein

• Red fluorescent protein

• Yellow fluorescent protein

• Green fluorescent protein

How is pigment production in corals regulated?

• Salinity

• Nutrient levels

• Light intensity

• Water temperature

What role do coral pigments play during bleaching?

• They change water temperature

• They increase coral growth

• They protect algae from excess light

• They attract more algae

What factors can make corals more susceptible to bleaching?

• Cold water

• Low light levels

• Nutrient pollution

• High salinity

What can the extreme coloration of corals indicate?

• The age of the coral

• The depth of the water

• The nature of bleaching events

• The type of algae present

What is the potential benefit of understanding coral coloration?

• To determine coral age

• To measure water salinity

• To assess reef recovery potential

• To predict fish populations