Question

Q. Which of the following is/are responsible for Coral Bleaching?

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 3 only

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: High solar irradiation causes bleaching of the photosynthetic pigments even when the algae are not expelled.

Statement 2 is correct: Exposure to the air during extreme low tides can cause bleaching in shallow corals.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Phytoplankton causes coral polyps to grow, as an increase in phytoplankton increases the amount of zooplankton available for the corals to feed on.