Final answer:
Reef B will likely be more affected by black band disease because it is near human activities that contribute to pollution and nutrient runoff, which stress and weaken coral ecosystems, making them more susceptible to diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely outcome for the black band disease impacting each reef is: Reef B will be more affected by the disease due to its proximity to human activities, which typically increase the stress on coral ecosystems.
Reef A, being in a remote area with less human interference and lower nutrient runoff due to little rainfall, is less likely to be severely impacted. In contrast, Reef B is near a resort hotel, a heavily fertilized golf course, and a recently clear-cut forest, all of which contribute to nutrient runoff, increased sedimentation, and potentially higher levels of pollutants. These factors can weaken coral health, making them more susceptible to diseases such as the black band disease.
Coral reefs are critical ecosystems that support a wide variety of marine life by providing food and shelter. The health of the reefs directly affects the local food chain, which includes organisms such as zooxanthellae, corals, parrotfish, and sharks. As the reef's health declines, so does the biodiversity, which can have far-reaching economic impacts on coastal communities dependent on fishing and tourism. Rising temperatures and ocean acidification compound these stresses, potentially leading to coral bleaching and further degradation.