SAT OwlReef-building corals depend on tiny algae called zooxanthellae, which live inside the corals' tissues and supply most of their food. When ocean temperatures rise too high, however, corals expel these algae. ______ the corals lose both their main food source and their color, a phenomenon known as coral bleaching.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
In contrast,
Consequently,
For instance,
Nonetheless,
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B
Losing their food source and color is the result of the corals expelling the algae. A cause-and-effect transition like "Consequently" fits. The other choices signal contrast or an example, neither of which matches this relationship.
"Nonetheless" signals that something happens despite the previous point, but the bleaching happens because of it.
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