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)

• Lower carbon levels mean that oysters do not have enough materials to build shells.
• Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.
• Higher levels of ozone in the ocean keep oysters from building shells.
• Fossil fuel spills in the ocean prevent oysters from building shells.

1 answer

Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This increase in acidity can make it more challenging for oysters and other shellfish to build their shells, resulting in thinner and weaker shells.