Final answer:
Changes in pH can have negative effects on coral reefs, including coral bleaching, interference with calcification, and a decline in food sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changes in pH can have several negative effects on coral reefs:
- Coral bleaching: When the pH of the water decreases due to ocean acidification, corals expel the algae living within their tissues, resulting in coral bleaching. This bleaching weakens the corals and makes them more vulnerable to disease and death.
- Interference with calcification: As the pH of the water decreases, the availability of calcium carbonate, which is essential for building the coral's skeletons, declines. This interferes with the calcification process and can lead to a decrease in the growth and strength of coral reefs.
- Decline in food sources: Coral reefs provide a habitat for many species of fish and other organisms. When the health of coral reefs declines due to pH changes, it can lead to a decline in the populations of these organisms, ultimately affecting the food sources of other animals in the ecosystem.