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)

Question

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.

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

Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

Answer 1

The trend of thinner oyster shells this year compared to several years ago could be related to the use of fossil fuels through the response: Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

The combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, some of which is absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This increased acidity can adversely affect calcifying organisms like oysters, making it more challenging for them to produce and maintain their calcium carbonate shells.