Coral Restoration Certificate Practice Test

Coral disease outbreaks are primarily influenced by various environmental stressors, and one of the most significant among these is the increase in water temperature. Elevated temperatures can weaken coral, making them more susceptible to diseases. When corals experience thermal stress, they may also undergo bleaching, which negatively impacts their health and resilience.

Nutrient loading, another factor in the correct answer, can lead to harmful algal blooms that outcompete corals for space and resources. High nutrient levels often stem from human activities such as agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge, exacerbating the stress on coral ecosystems and increasing the likelihood of disease outbreaks.

In comparison, although pollution, sedimentation, overfishing, habitat destruction, lack of sunlight, and biodiversity loss are also important issues affecting coral health, the specific combination of increased water temperatures and nutrient loading has been shown to directly correlate with the frequency and severity of coral disease outbreaks. This connection underscores the importance of addressing both temperature and nutrient dynamics when developing conservation strategies for coral reefs.