HHMI Educator Tips | Coral Bleaching

What is the primary cause of coral bleaching at a molecular level?

• Increased ocean acidity

• Disruption of the symbiotic relationship between coral polyps and photosynthetic dinoflagellates

• Overfishing in coral reef ecosystems

• Pollution from coastal development

What is the main function of the photosynthetic dinoflagellates in their symbiotic relationship with coral polyps?

• Providing structural support to the coral skeleton

• Protecting the coral from physical damage

• Supplying energy and nutrients to the coral through photosynthesis

• Assisting the coral in reproduction

What kind of data are students given in the coral bleaching activity to analyze global patterns and trends?

• Ocean current patterns and salinity levels

• Reef locations and historical temperature data

• Marine predator populations and prey availability

• Atmospheric CO2 concentrations and sea-level rise

What analytical skill is emphasized when students estimate the area under the curve in the coral bleaching activity?

• Qualitative observation

• Graph analysis and interpretation

• Hypothesis formulation

• Data collection techniques