Question

Ocean acidification is of considerable concern to environmental scientists as it could impact ocean biodiversity significantly. What describes the relationship between ocean acidification causes and effects?

a) Ocean acidification is a cause of weakening calcium carbonate shells in invertebrates.
b) Weakening calcium carbonate shells in invertebrates is a cause of ocean acidification.
c) Ocean acidification and weakening calcium carbonate shells are unrelated.
d) Ocean acidification is a result of overfishing.

Answer 1

Ocean acidification, caused by CO2 dissolving in seawater and lowering its pH, leads to weakened calcium carbonate shells in marine invertebrates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Regarding the question on the relationship between ocean acidification causes and effects, the correct answer is: a) Ocean acidification is a cause of weakening calcium carbonate shells in invertebrates. When carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves in ocean water, it forms carbonic acid, and this acidification process leads to a lower pH. As the pH decreases, the ocean becomes more acidic, which interferes with the ability of many marine organisms to produce and maintain their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, thereby affecting marine biodiversity.

This is problematic for species such as plankton, mollusks, shellfish, and corals, as they rely on calcification to build these structures, and increased acidity hampers this essential process.