Question: A marine biologist studying coral bleaching finds that 12 out of every 15 reefs in a region show signs of stress. If 225 reefs are surveyed, how many are expected to be stressed?

Sun, 03 May 2026 14:41:10 +0000

**How Many Coral Reefs Show Signs of Stress in This Critical Region?** As climate patterns shift and ocean temperatures rise, coral reefs across the United States—and globally—are revealing signs of growing stress. Recent findings show that 12 out of every 15 reefs surveyed exhibit measurable stress, pointing to a widespread but often invisible crisis beneath the waves. With over 225 reefs recently studied in a key coastal region, scientists estimate a sobering question: how many of these reefs are likely showing distress? This inquiry isn’t just academic—it reflects broader ecological urgency and rising public awareness about coral health. The data from stress indicators offers a clear projection. Applying the same 12:15 ratio to a full survey of 225 reefs, approximately 180 reefs are expected to display signs of bleaching or physiological strain. This estimate, grounded in marine biology and regional monitoring, helps translate raw numbers into actionable insight. With so many reefs affected, the implications ripple beyond environmental science—impacting tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection. ### Why This Question Matters Now