How Would Acidification of Sea Water Affect Marine Organisms

Question

How would acidification of sea water affect marine organisms?
A)Acidification would increase dissolved carbonate concentrations and promote faster growth of corals and shell-building animals.
B)Acidification would decrease dissolved carbonate concentrations and promote faster growth of corals and shell-building animals.
C)Acidification would increase dissolved carbonate concentrations and hinder growth of corals and shell-building animals.
D)Acidification would decrease dissolved carbonate concentrations and hinder growth of corals and shell-building animals.
E)Acidification would increase dissolved bicarbonate concentrations, and cause increased calcification of corals and shellfish.

Accepted Answer

Acidification of sea water would decrease the availability of carbonate ions, which are necessary for corals and shell-building animals to form their skeletons and shells. This would therefore hinder their growth and survival.