Understanding Coral Bleaching — Passage and Quiz
Understanding Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching is a big problem for the Great Barrier Reef. It happens when corals get stressed, usually because the water is too warm. Corals have tiny algae living inside them that give them their bright colors and provide them with food. When corals are stressed, they push out these algae. This makes the corals turn white or "bleached." Bleached corals aren't dead, but they are in danger. Without their algae, corals don't get enough food and can starve. If the water doesn't cool down quickly, the bleached corals might die.
In recent years, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced several major bleaching events. These events have affected large parts of the reef, causing some areas to die. Coral bleaching is one of the biggest threats to the future of the Great Barrier Reef.
Quiz
1. What usually causes coral bleaching?
2. What gives corals their bright colors?
3. What happens when corals are bleached?
4. What do the algae provide to the corals?
5. What happens to bleached corals if the water doesn't cool down quickly?
6. According to the passage, how serious is the threat of coral bleaching to the Great Barrier Reef?
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