Many Species of Corals Spawn on the Same Nights Because

Question

Many species of corals spawn on the same nights because
A) They hope to maximize interspecies gamete contacts
B) The most phytoplankton food is in the water on these nights
C) The species are keyed into the same astronomical cycles, in order to maximize intraspecific gamete contact
D) These nights are very dark and one can avoid predators

Accepted Answer

Corals often spawn in synchrony due to astronomical cycles, such as moon phases, to maximize the chances of successful fertilization within the same species. This synchronization helps ensure that the water is filled with gametes at the same time, increasing the likelihood of intraspecific (within the same species) gamete contact and subsequent fertilization.