What is one major effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs?

What is one major effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs?

• A. Increases coral reproduction rates
• B. Decreases coral growth and structural integrity
• C. Has no effect on coral reefs
• D. Strengthens coral cells

Answer: (B)

One major effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs is that it decreases coral growth and structural integrity. When carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. This increased acidity has a detrimental impact on the calcium carbonate structures that corals use to build their skeletons. As the water becomes more acidic, it becomes more difficult for corals to precipitate calcium carbonate, leading to slower growth rates and weaker structures. This weakened integrity makes coral reefs more vulnerable to damage from storms, erosion, and other environmental stressors, ultimately threatening the entire reef ecosystem. Hence, this option accurately reflects a significant consequence of ocean acidification on coral reefs.

One major effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs is that it decreases coral growth and structural integrity. When carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. This increased acidity has a detrimental impact on the calcium carbonate structures that corals use to build their skeletons. As the water becomes more acidic, it becomes more difficult for corals to precipitate calcium carbonate, leading to slower growth rates and weaker structures. This weakened integrity makes coral reefs more vulnerable to damage from storms, erosion, and other environmental stressors, ultimately threatening the entire reef ecosystem. Hence, this option accurately reflects a significant consequence of ocean acidification on coral reefs.