{"id":24319,"date":"2024-01-30T08:10:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T08:10:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=24319"},"modified":"2024-01-30T08:10:17","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T08:10:17","slug":"when-corals-are-affected-by-stress-causes-them-to-turn-completely-white-explain-the-reasons-for-such-an-occurrence-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/when-corals-are-affected-by-stress-causes-them-to-turn-completely-white-explain-the-reasons-for-such-an-occurrence-upsc-geography-optional-mains-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"When corals are affected by stress causes them to turn completely white. Explain the reasons for such an occurrence – UPSC Geography Optional Mains – 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When corals face environmental stress, a remarkable phenomenon known as coral bleaching occurs, causing these vibrant marine organisms to undergo a visually striking transformation\u2014turning completely white. This occurrence is a consequence of various stressors that disrupt the delicate balance within coral ecosystems. Corals, which form intricate symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, depend on optimal environmental conditions for their survival. Factors such as elevated sea temperatures, pollution, and changes in water chemistry can induce stress, prompting the expulsion of the symbiotic algae from the coral tissues. As a result, the loss of these colorful algae exposes the underlying calcium carbonate skeleton, leaving the corals visibly bleached. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon is crucial for addressing the threats to coral reefs and implementing conservation measures to protect these vital ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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