The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. 2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. 3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected. 4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.

QUESTION

Hard

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2012

The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?

The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.

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Explanation

The acidification of oceans can adversely affect the growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton because their calcium carbonate shells may dissolve in more acidic waters.

The growth and survival of coral reefs are indeed adversely affected by ocean acidification. Corals build their skeletons using calcium carbonate, which can dissolve in more acidic conditions, leading to coral bleaching and reduced coral growth rates.

The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae can be adversely affected by ocean acidification. These larvae may struggle to form their calcium carbonate shells in more acidic waters, leading to decreased survival rates.

The adverse effect of ocean acidification on cloud seeding and cloud formation is not directly linked. Ocean acidification primarily affects marine ecosystems, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells, and does not directly impact cloud formation processes. Therefore, statement 4 is not correct.

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