Question

How would acidification of seawater affect marine organisms?

a. Acidification would increase dissolved carbonate concentrations and hinder growth of corals and shell-building animals.
b. Acidification would decrease dissolved carbonate concentrations and promote faster growth of corals and shell-building animals.
c. Acidification would increase dissolved bicarbonate concentrations and cause increased calcification of corals and shellfish.
d. Acidification would increase dissolved carbonate concentrations and promote faster growth of corals and shell-building animals.
e. Acidification would decrease dissolved carbonate concentrations and hinder growth of corals and shell-building animals.

Answer 1

Answer: Option E

Step-by-step explanation:

An increase in the concentration of the H+ ions means that there are less free carbonate in water.

These carbonates does not get converted into calcium bicarbonate, it changes into bicarbonate which dissolves the shells and exoskeleton of the aquatic animals in marine water.

Corals and shelled molluscan cannot survive in such region having high acidity as their shells gets dissolved in such water.

Hence, option E is the correct option.