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.

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.

Answer 1

The most accurate response relating thin oyster shells to the use of fossil fuels is:

Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

The combustion of fossil fuels increases carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere, some of which is absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification. This acidic environment can hinder the ability of marine organisms like oysters to build and maintain their calcium carbonate shells, resulting in thinner shells over time.