Question

Human activity has had a significant impact on the carbon cycle as it relates to the ocean. Activities such as combustion of fossil fuels and land use changes have led to a new flux of CO2 into the atmosphere. The increases of CO2 in the atmosphere have led to much of the excess being stored in the ocean, causing the pH of the ocean to decrease, becoming more acidic. The effects of ocean acidification include all BUT:
Responses
A Increasing acidity speeds the death and decomposition of many ocean plantsIncreasing acidity speeds the death and decomposition of many ocean plants
B The resulting increase in acidity changes the balance of minerals in the water.The resulting increase in acidity changes the balance of minerals in the water.
C Increasing acidity impacts ocean life, including, depressing metabolic rates in jumbo squid, depressing the immune responses of blue mussels, and coral bleaching.Increasing acidity impacts ocean life, including, depressing metabolic rates in jumbo squid, depressing the immune responses of blue mussels, and coral bleaching.
D It is more difficult for corals and shelled marine organisms to produce calcium carbonate, which is the main ingredient in exoskeletons or shells, making it more difficult for these animals to survive.

Answer 1

A

Ocean acidification does not generally "speed the death and decomposition of many ocean plants." Many marine plants and phytoplankton can benefit from higher CO2 for photosynthesis; the well-documented effects of acidification are changes to carbonate chemistry, reduced calcification in corals and shelled organisms, and physiological impacts on various animals.