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.

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

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

Answer 1

Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

The increased use of fossil fuels leads to higher levels of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans, causing ocean acidification. This acidity makes it harder for oysters to build their shells, resulting in thinner shells compared to previous years.