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.
Which among the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Ocean acidification has been called the “evil twin of global warming” and “the other CO2 problem”.
- It occurs when excess atmospheric CO₂ dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering the ocean’s pH. This reduces the availability of carbonate ions, which are essential for organisms such as Calcareous phytoplankton (e.g., coccolithophores) to build calcium carbonate shells. As a result, their growth and survival are adversely affected.
Statement 2 is correct
- Coral reefs depend on calcium carbonate to form their skeletons. Ocean acidification reduces the rate of calcification, weakening coral structures and affecting reef growth and survival.
Statement 3 is correct
- Many marine animals have phytoplankton-based food chains and planktonic larval stages. If phytoplankton populations decline due to acidification, it can disrupt marine food webs, negatively affecting the survival of animals with phytoplanktonic larvae.
Statement 4 is incorrect
- Ocean acidification mainly affects marine chemistry and biological organisms. It does not directly influence cloud seeding or cloud formation, which are primarily related to atmospheric processes.
