10 Facts about Coral Bleaching

Friday, March 18th 2016. | Biology


The loss of the intracellular endosymbionts is explained on facts about coral bleaching. This condition may occur because of the loss of algal pigmentation. Flagellate protozoa is unicellular and photosythentic. They can be seen living in the tissue of corals. Both share symbiotic relationship.   The color of corals is earned from the Zooxanthellae. The corals seem bleached when they expel Zooxanthellae. The scientists believe that coral bleaching occurs because of some environmental factors such as the low water temperature, harmful chemicals, high irradiance and sediments. Check other interesting facts about coral bleaching below:

Facts about Coral Bleaching 1: the defense mechanism

Some scientists believe that corals have to do coral bleaching because it is a form of defense mechanism.

Facts about Coral Bleaching 2: the growth of coral

The growth of corals is reduced significantly if coral bleaching occurs. The growth will be normal again if the protozoa returns. However, these corals still continue their life without the protozoa.

 

Facts about Coral Bleaching

Facts about Coral Bleaching

Facts about Coral Bleaching 3: the occurrence of coral bleaching

When the presence of coral’s zooxanthellae cannot be maintained, the bleaching on the corals takes place for it is the only thing that the corals can do to maintain their life.

Facts about Coral Bleaching 4: the expulsion

The expulsion takes place because of the environmental factor which influences the ability of the coral to give nutrients for zooxanthellae during their photosynthetic process.

Coral Bleaching Pictures

Coral Bleaching Pictures

Facts about Coral Bleaching 5: the other factors

Other factors which affect coral bleaching include exposure to cold winds, regional weather conditions, ultraviolet radiation, intertidal corals and many more.

Facts about Coral Bleaching 6: the biotic and biotic factors

It is believed that coral bleaching is a part of a stress experienced by the corals. It can be triggered because of the biotic and abiotic factors. Check facts about coastlines here.

Coral Bleaching Pic

Coral Bleaching Pic

Facts about Coral Bleaching 7: the biotic and abiotic factors

The biotic and abiotic factors which trigger coral bleaching include the increased sedimentation, changes of water temperature, bacterial infections, changes in water chemistry, solar irradiance, global warming,  changes in salinity, mineral dust, cyanide fishing, sunscreen ingredients, oxygen starvation and herbicides.

Facts about Coral Bleaching 8: the increased sea temperature

The increased sea surface temperature is considered as the primary cause which elevates the thermal stress of corals.

Coral Bleaching Images

Coral Bleaching Images

Facts about Coral Bleaching 9: the physical factors

The cloud cover, low light, sufficient nutrients and high water flow are some physical factors which can decrease the coral bleaching severity. Get facts about brain coral here.

Facts about Coral Bleaching 10: the effect

When coral bleaching occurs, the reproduction and growth is reduced. Moreover, the corals are very prone to be infected by diseases.

Coral Bleaching Image

Coral Bleaching Image

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