Answer :
When the temperature in the ocean becomes too hot, algae can be affected in various ways:
1. The algae become harmful to coral and are expelled:
- High temperatures can lead to a phenomenon called coral bleaching, where the algae living inside coral tissues, known as zooxanthellae, are expelled due to stress. This can harm the coral reefs as they rely on these algae for their energy source and color.
2. The algae become pale:
- In response to increased water temperatures, algae may lose their pigmentation, causing them to appear pale or bleached. This can indicate stress or a disruption in their normal metabolic functions.
3. The algae are susceptible to infection:
- Elevated temperatures can weaken the algae's defense mechanisms, making them more vulnerable to infections by pathogens or other harmful organisms. This can further impact the health and survival of the algae population.
It's important to note that while some algae may be negatively affected by hot temperatures, not all algae respond in the same way. Some species may be more resilient or adaptive to temperature changes.
