Question

A student hypothesized that pillar coral digest zooxanthellae for energy. Which prediction is based on the student's hypothesis?

Answer 1

D. If pillar coral digest zooxanthellae, then the zooxanthellae inside the pillar coral must be dead.

Answer 2

The correct answer is option D

According to this hypothesis that pillar coral digested zooxanthellae, the coral digested zooxanthellae inside the pillar coral must be dead. If anything  is engulfed then it should be first dead inside the body of the predator and then the energy is extracted from the food. The food eaten serves as a source of energy.