Understanding Ocean Acidification

What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?

• Increased volcanic activity

• Excessive carbon dioxide emissions

• Oil spills

• Overfishing

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following marine organisms is most directly affected by ocean acidification due to its calcium carbonate shell?

• Jellyfish

• Coral

• Seaweed

• Tuna

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain how the pH level of the ocean changes as it becomes more acidic.

• The pH level increases

• The pH level decreases

• The pH level remains constant

• The pH level fluctuates randomly

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following is a potential effect of ocean acidification on marine life?

• Increased fish population

• Enhanced coral growth

• Weakened shells of mollusks

• Improved water clarity

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Describe a strategy that could be used to mitigate ocean acidification.

• Increasing the use of fossil fuels

• Reducing carbon emissions

• Promoting deforestation

• Enhancing plastic production

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the effectiveness of using artificial reefs as a mitigation strategy for ocean acidification.

• Highly effective, as they reduce carbon emissions

• Moderately effective, as they provide habitat but do not reduce acidity

• Ineffective, as they increase ocean acidity

• Highly effective, as they directly neutralize ocean acidity

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Ocean acidification begins with 

• pollution from ships
• carbon dioxide released from combustion
• dumping of waste from cities into the ocean

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Marine organisms make their shells from calcium and

• chloride
• carbonate
• seawater

Very slight increases in the acidity of seawater __________  marine organisms that make shells.

• doesn't bother
• has no effect on 
• is unhealthy and stresses

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NGSS.HS-LS4-5

A ___ point decrease in pH is expected by the end of the century?

• .1

• 2

• .4

• 5

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6