3.6 Ocean Acidification Part 2

Front

What is ocean acidification?

Back

Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in pH levels of the ocean due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, leading to increased acidity.

Front

What is the main cause of a decrease in ocean pH?

Back

The main cause of a decrease in ocean pH is the increase in hydrogen ions (H+).

Front

What role does carbon dioxide (CO2) play in ocean acidification?

Back

Carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, leading to lower pH.

Front

What is the significance of carbonate ions (CO3^2-) in marine ecosystems?

Back

Carbonate ions (CO3^2-) are essential for marine organisms, as they use them to build shells and exoskeletons, crucial for their survival.

Front

What is the independent variable in an experiment studying the effects of ocean pH on fish stress levels?

Back

The independent variable is ocean pH, as it is the factor being manipulated to observe its effect on stress levels.

Front

What is the dependent variable in an experiment studying the effects of ocean pH on fish stress levels?

Back

The dependent variable is stress levels, as it is the outcome being measured in response to changes in ocean pH.

Front

What is a control group in an experiment?

Back

A control group is a standard of comparison in an experiment that is not exposed to the experimental treatment, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the independent variable.

Front

How do marine organisms respond to increased ocean acidity?

Back

Marine organisms may experience stress, reduced growth, and difficulty in building shells and skeletons due to the lack of available carbonate ions.

Front

What is the relationship between ocean pH and carbonic acid?

Back

As carbon dioxide levels increase, more carbonic acid is formed in the ocean, leading to a decrease in pH and increased acidity.

Front

What are the potential ecological impacts of ocean acidification?

Back

Potential ecological impacts include disruption of food webs, loss of biodiversity, and negative effects on fisheries and marine habitats.