UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

Regarding the coral-bleaching experiments reported in the newspaper, which one of the following best describes the role of the algal strain SS8?

  1. It was used to increase ocean acidity around reefs
  2. It was introduced into bleached corals to test transfer of heat-tolerant algae
  3. It replaced coral tissue with synthetic reef material
  4. It was used to remove all algae permanently from healthy corals

Answer

Correct Answer

It was introduced into bleached corals to test transfer of heat-tolerant algae

Explanation

Correct: B. Researchers chemically bleached two coral species and inoculated fragments with heat-tolerant SS8 to study recovery and algal transfer.

A reverses the experiment; the study concerned warming stress, not deliberate acidification.

C is unrelated because living coral and algae remained central to the experiment.

D is wrong because the aim was recovery with suitable algae, not permanent algal removal.

Topics: coral bleaching, environment, heat-tolerant algae ss8, marine ecology