Impacts on marine life
State the 3 main impacts on marine life?
1) Reduction in pH
2) Reduced survival
3) Damage in calcifying organism
What effects does ocean acidification have on humans?give 2 examples
1) Health Risks
2) Food security
In the case study of Southern Ocean Antarctica, what makes it harder for crabs to grow?
acidic water / water with low pH
what are some examples of renewable energy
Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, solar, and wind, can decrease ocean acidification
What is meant by ocean acidification?
When the ocean slowly becomes more acidic because it absorbs extra carbon dioxide (Co2) from the air.
List the three most vulnerable species regarding ocean acidification? (in order: from highest to lowest)
from highest to lowest
1) Pteropods
2) Corals
3) Mollusks
How can ocean acidification indirectly increase the risk of food poisoning in humans?
It can increase harmful algal blooms that produce toxins which enter seafood.
List the places that suffer with ocean acidification. identify at least 3
1) Southern Ocean Antarctica
2) Laurentian Great Lakes
3) Volcanic Vents Italy
4) Volcanic Vents Italy
5) Great Barrier Reef
List the three solutions/ways to reduce ocean acidifciation
1) Using renewable energy
2) Use energy more efficiently
3) Scientific monitoring and adaptation
Identify the causes? (give at least 2)
1) Burning fossil fuels
2) Cutting down forests
Justify why are pteropods the most vulnerable species?
Possible answers:
1) Shell dissolution: their shells are made of aragonite, a very soluble form of calcium carbonate.
1) Aragonite dissolves about 50% more easily
3) Shells are already breaking down in the Southern Ocean.
Explain why coastal communities are more economically vulnerable to ocean acidification.
Because they depend heavily on fishing for both food and income, so population declines directly affect livelihoods.
Since coral reefs are like underwater cities, what happens when the reef weaknes?
Many animals depend on reefs for food and shelter.
answer: when the reef weakens, their homes and food sources disappear too.
how can we use energy more efficiently?
some possible answers:
Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
Use LED bulbs and energy efficient appliances
→ Reduce Co2 emissions
+ other possible answers
How could ocean acidification affect your dinner plate?
It can reduce shellfish like oysters, mussels, and crabs, making them harder to farm and more expensive.
Estimate the reduction in growth and development
11 - 19%
What is the connection between ocean acidification and higher seafood prices?
Acidification reduces shellfish populations, lowering supply and increasing prices
Identify an example of a human activity that produces CO₂, and explain what happens when CO₂ mixes with seawater.
answer 1: humans burn fossil fuels, extra carbon dioxide (CO₂) goes into the air; the ocean absorbs a lot of it, and that makes the seawater a little more acidic over time.
answer 2: it makes the water more acidic, just like adding soda bubbles to water.
What is the main goal of monitoring ocean chemistry?
To predict and understand changes like acidification
Identify which ocean absorbs the most CO₂?
The Pacific Ocean absorbs huge amounts because of its size...but all oceans are affected.
State how much the pH has dropped as of 2024
8.04 in 2024, a 30% acidity increase since pre-industrial times
give points if its 8.00-8.03
Explain the chain reaction from ocean acidification to human illness risk.
Acidification changes ocean conditions → increases harmful algal blooms → toxins enter seafood → humans eat contaminated seafood.
Because the lakes are big and change a lot with seasons and weather. Identify what scientist are doing.
scientists are setting up special sensors to watch pH and carbonate levels over time.
Why is adaptation important in addition to monitoring?
Adaptation is important because monitoring only shows changes in ocean chemistry, while adaptation helps communities and ecosystems respond to those changes and reduce negative impacts.
Why do baby shellfish struggle more than adults?
Their shells are thinner and forming fast, so they’re more sensitive to chemical changes.