What adaptations do some coral species have to cope with changing environmental conditions?

The adaptation of tolerance to higher temperatures and salinity levels is crucial for some coral species as they face increasingly variable and extreme environmental conditions, such as climate change and ocean acidification. These corals can withstand fluctuations in temperature that would normally be detrimental, allowing them to survive in warmer waters. This adaptability is vital because it helps ensure their continued existence in changing ecosystems where water temperatures may rise beyond the usual tolerable limits.

Coral species with this tolerance can maintain their symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, the algae that live within their tissues and provide them with energy through photosynthesis. Additionally, being able to cope with higher salinity levels means these corals can survive in environments impacted by factors such as reduced freshwater input or increased evaporation, which can raise salinity.

The other options, while they highlight some interesting traits that coral might exhibit, do not directly correspond to common adaptive strategies found in corals facing environmental stress. For instance, some corals may not photosynthesize effectively in low light, often relying on the symbiotic algae for energy. The idea of reverting to larval stages when threatened is not a recognized adaptive mechanism in corals. Lastly, while some marine organisms can migrate to cooler areas, corals are largely sessile