To determine which coral species is most likely to die out when the surface ocean temperature rises, we need to examine the maximum depth each species can survive. Coral species found at shallower depths are generally more vulnerable to temperature changes as the surface ocean warms up.
Here's the provided data:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Species} & \text{Maximum Depth (m)} \\
\hline
\text{W} & 44 \\
\hline
\text{X} & 39 \\
\hline
\text{Y} & 48 \\
\hline
\text{Z} & 31 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
We need to find the species with the shallowest maximum depth, as it will be the first to be affected by rising temperatures.
1. Species W: Maximum depth = 44 meters
2. Species X: Maximum depth = 39 meters
3. Species Y: Maximum depth = 48 meters
4. Species Z: Maximum depth = 31 meters
Comparing these depths:
- The coral species with the maximum depth of 44 meters (W) is quite deep, so it's less likely to die out quickly.
- The species with 39 meters depth (X) is also relatively deep.
- The species with the depth of 48 meters (Y) is the deepest of all and thus, the least likely to be affected first.
- The species with the depth of 31 meters (Z) is the shallowest.
Since species Z has the shallowest maximum depth at just 31 meters, it is the most susceptible to changes in surface temperatures. Therefore, it is most likely to die out first when the surface ocean temperature rises.
So the answer is:
Z
