Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Coral reefs are endangered by pollution mainly due to what environmental issue?

1. Decreased ocean levels

2. Rising ocean temperatures

3. Increased ocean acidity

4. Depletion of plankton

The correct answer is: Rising ocean temperatures

Coral reefs are significantly endangered by rising ocean temperatures, which is a critical environmental issue linked to climate change. When ocean temperatures rise, it leads to coral bleaching, a phenomenon where corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues. These algae are essential for coral health as they provide energy through photosynthesis and give corals their color. Bleaching can result in increased coral mortality, reduced reproductive capabilities, and diminished resilience against diseases. Consequently, as ocean temperatures continue to rise, the stress on coral ecosystems intensifies, making it increasingly difficult for them to survive and thrive. In contrast, decreased ocean levels do not directly impact coral habitats in the same way, as corals generally thrive in specific depth ranges. Increased ocean acidity, while a significant concern due to its effects on calcium carbonate structures like coral, is a more indirect result of environmental changes and does not primarily identify pollution impacts as rising temperatures do. Depletion of plankton can have ecological ramifications but is less directly tied to the health of coral reefs compared to the immediate effects of rising ocean temperatures.