Question

Human activity has greatly increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The graph below shows one consequence of this change. Describe two consequences to biodiversity in ocean ecosystems based on the data in the graph. Include specific organisms.

Answer 1

Direct consequences of cumulative post-industrial emissions of carbon dioxide include increasing global temperature. The oceans absorb 22 million tons of carbon dioxide every day. When the oceans absorb CO2, the chemical reaction that takes place produces carbonic acid (H2CO3), which increases the acidity (lowers the pH) of seawater. So, the balance is ruined.