Question

Why is ocean acidification problematic for some marine life?"

a. It promotes the growth of coral reefs.
b. It reduces the availability of carbonate ions for shell formation.
c. It increases the pH of seawater.
d. It has no effect on marine organisms.

Answer 1

Ocean acidification reduces the availability of carbonate ions for shell formation in marine life.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ocean acidification is problematic for some marine life because it reduces the availability of carbonate ions for shell formation. As the oceans become more acidic, the carbonate ions that marine organisms, such as corals and shellfish, need to build their skeletons and shells become less abundant. This can lead to weakened shells, inhibited growth, and reduced reproduction rates for these organisms. Therefore, option b, reducing the availability of carbonate ions for shell formation, is the correct answer.