What is the Major Area of Biological Concern Regarding Acidification

Question

What is the major area of biological concern regarding acidification of the oceans?
A)They will become too acidic for life.
B)There will not be enough carbonate available for organisms to make calcium carbonate.
C)There will be too much bicarbonate, making the oceans basic.
D)There will be too much CO₂ released back into the atmosphere.
E)They will become too polluted for human use.

Accepted Answer

The major area of biological concern regarding acidification of the oceans is that there will not be enough carbonate available for organisms to make calcium carbonate. Many organisms, such as shellfish and coral, use calcium carbonate to build their shells and structures. As the oceans become more acidic, carbonate becomes less available, making it harder for these organisms to survive and reproduce.