Question

1. explain your reasoning and why the evidence supports your claim. connect the data back to how warm water affects the mutualism between coral and algae.

Explanation:

Mutualism between coral and algae involves the algae living within coral polyps, providing energy - rich compounds through photosynthesis to the coral, while the coral provides a protected environment and nutrients to the algae. Warm water can stress corals, causing them to expel the algae (coral bleaching). If data shows a decrease in the presence of algae in warm water conditions and negative impacts on coral health as a result, it supports the claim that warm water disrupts this mutualism. Evidence could include measurements of algae density in coral tissues at different water temperatures and corresponding coral growth or survival rates.

Answer:

The answer depends on the specific data. If the data shows a decrease in algae within corals and negative coral health impacts in warm water, it supports the claim that warm water disrupts the mutualism. If the data shows no change or positive changes in the relationship in warm water, it does not support the claim.