Question

1. how does sea temperature rising just a degree or two affect coral reefs? why does this happen? edit: were bleached, resulting in destroying the

Explanation:

1. Effect on Coral Reefs: A 1 - 2 degree rise in sea temperature causes coral bleaching. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae (algae) that live inside them. The algae provide the coral with nutrients via photosynthesis and give corals their color. When sea temperatures rise, the corals become stressed.
2. Why it happens: The stress from increased temperature causes the corals to expel the zooxanthellae. Without the algae, the coral's white calcium carbonate skeleton is visible, making the coral appear "bleached". Also, the loss of the algae means the coral loses its main source of food. If the temperature remains high for an extended period, the bleached corals can die, as they are more vulnerable to diseases and lack sufficient energy to survive. Additionally, higher temperatures can also disrupt the coral's metabolic processes and their ability to build their skeletons.

Answer:

• Effect: A 1 - 2 degree rise in sea temperature causes coral bleaching (corals expel symbiotic algae, turn white, and become more vulnerable to death).
• Why it happens: Increased temperature stresses corals, leading them to expel zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) which provide them with nutrients and color. Without the algae, corals lose their food source, their white skeletons are exposed, and they become more susceptible to disease and death. Prolonged high temperatures can also disrupt coral metabolism and skeleton - building processes.