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

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.

Higher levels of ozone in the ocean keep oysters from building shells.
Higher levels of ozone in the ocean keep oysters from building 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 correct response is:

Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

This trend can be related to the use of fossil fuels, as burning fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere, some of which gets absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This higher acidity can hinder the ability of oysters and other shellfish to build and maintain their calcium carbonate shells.