Question

Which of the following is a result of ocean acidification?

A) fish are thinking more clearly and are less likely to be eaten by predators
B) the shells of pteropods (tiny, free swimming snails) are getting stronger
C) marine organisms (such as sea snails) are having problems forming their shells
D) coral are able to build stronger and bigger skeletons

Answer 1

Ocean acidification is causing difficulties for marine organisms, particularly those that build shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate, leading to weaker structures and affecting marine biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The result of ocean acidification is that many marine organisms, including pteropods and other shell-building creatures, are facing difficulties in forming their shells and skeletons. This is because the increasing concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide is leading to higher acidity levels in the ocean water, which in turn lowers the availability of calcium carbonate, a crucial component for the formation of shells and skeletons in many marine species. Consequently, option C is correct: marine organisms, such as sea snails, are having problems forming their shells.

Coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems that harbor a quarter of all marine species, are also affected. Their exoskeletons dissolve more easily in acidic solutions, leading to weakened coral structures and making them more susceptible to other threats such as bleaching. So, ocean acidification not only directly affects the physical structures of these organisms but also has cascading effects on marine biodiversity and ecosystems as a whole.