Every 4–7 years, an El Niño event causes some reefs with heat-sensitive corals to bleach, with especially widespread bleachings in 1998 and 2010. However, reefs that experience a severe bleaching event become resistant to future heat-induced bleaching, due to rapid directional selection. Similar rapid adaption may protect coral reefs from global warming.
every 4–7 yEaRs, an el niño eVeNT CaUSes soMe ReEfs wiTh heat-sensiTIve corals to bLeACh, with EspeciaLLY WiDeSpread bLEACHINGS in 1998 and 2010. hOwEVeR, reEfs thaT eXperiencE a seVeRE BleachINg EvEnT becOMe resistant to fUtUre heAt-indUceD BLeAChIng, due to rapid directionAl sELection. sIMilAr rApid AdApTion mAY protEct Coral ReeFs froM gloBaL WarmiNG.