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Question

Question
Marine scientists are monitoring atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide.

As atmospheric CO2 levels rise, more of the carbon dioxide gas dissolves in the oceans.

As more CO2 dissolves in the ocean, the water become more acidic (lower pH)

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolves in the acidic water

Marine organisms, such as clams, need CaCO3 to build their exoskeletons.


Based on this information, which change is most likely to be a direct result of these increasing levels of atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide?

(1 point)
Responses

Frequent rainfall will dilute the effect of the carbon dioxide in the water.
Frequent rainfall will dilute the effect of the carbon dioxide in the water.

There will be an overpopulation of oysters and other shelled marine species.
There will be an overpopulation of oysters and other shelled marine species.

The water level will rise and cause floods, damaging coastal ecosystems with contaminated water.
The water level will rise and cause floods, damaging coastal ecosystems with contaminated water.

Many species of marine organisms will be weakened, making them unable to produce and maintain their shells.
Many species of marine organisms will be weakened, making them unable to produce and maintain their shells.
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Answer 1

Based on the information provided, the most likely direct result of increasing levels of atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide is:

Many species of marine organisms will be weakened, making them unable to produce and maintain their shells.

This conclusion is drawn from the following key points:

1. Increased levels of CO2 lead to more acidic ocean water.
2. Acidic water causes calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to dissolve.
3. Marine organisms, such as clams, depend on CaCO3 for building their exoskeletons, so a decrease in available CaCO3 due to its dissolution in acidic water would weaken these organisms.