How do acidifying oceans affect coral reefs?(1 point)

Responses

increased number of marine creatures
increased number of marine creatures

decreased carbon dioxide
decreased carbon dioxide

decreased growth
decreased growth

increased reproduction
increased reproduction
Remaining Attempts : 3

1 answer

Acidifying oceans primarily lead to decreased growth in coral reefs. Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere result in more CO2 being absorbed by the oceans, which lowers the pH and increases acidity. This change in water chemistry can hinder the ability of corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, thus slowing their growth rates and weakening their structures.