Evaluate the collective function of references cited together in a given text segment.
Classify their combined role into one of the following categories: 'method', 'background', or 'result'.

Text:For example, because coral mucus provides an important carbon source for coral-associated bacteria (Ferrier-Pages et al. 2000; Brown and Bythell 2005; Wegley et al. 2007; Allers et al. 2008; Kimes et al. 2010), changes in production rates of mucus due to abiotic factors (e.
Category: