Question

A scientist observes that the shells of oysters this year are thinner than the shells of oysters several years ago. How could this trend be related to the use of fossil fuels?(1 point)
Responses

Higher levels of ozone in the ocean keep oysters from building shells.
Higher levels of ozone in the ocean keep oysters from building shells.

Lower carbon levels mean that oysters do not have enough materials to build shells.
Lower carbon levels mean that oysters do not have enough materials to build shells.

Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.
Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

Fossil fuel spills in the ocean prevent oysters from building shells.

Answer 1

The most appropriate response is:

**Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.**

This trend can be related to the use of fossil fuels because the burning of fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which contribute to ocean acidification. As CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, leading to lower pH levels. This acidic environment can hinder the ability of organisms like oysters to calcify, resulting in thinner shells.