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Although we talk of coral reefs, it is not reefs that
bleach and die, but rather individual corals within
the reef community. In addition to environmental factors,
there are specific coral factors that help with bleaching
resistance.
- Some species of coral are more resistant to bleaching
than others.
- Individual corals and zooxanthellae can be more
resistant to bleaching than others of the same species.
- Genetics, pigments, zooxanthellae, and overall
health affect the resistance of each coral colony.
- Just as stress tolerance built up over time may
produce a more resistant coral community, different
corals may be able to respond differently to regular
stress and develop natural resistance.
| SOURCES |
| Baker
2001, Coles and Brown 2003, Craig et al. 2001, Dove
et al. 2001, Dunne and Brown 2001, Marshall and
Baird 2000, Michalek-Wagner and Willis 2001, Pecheux
1997, Rodriguez-Lanetty et al. 2001, Rowan et al.
1997, Salih et al. 2000. |
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