Which organisms are considered valuable indicators of ocean acidification found in sediments?

Which organisms are considered valuable indicators of ocean acidification found in sediments?

• A. Fish and marine mammals
• B. Calcifying organisms, such as corals and certain types of plankton
• C. Seaweeds and phytoplankton
• D. Non-calcifying algae and bacteria

Answer: (B)

The correct choice identifies calcifying organisms, such as corals and certain types of plankton, as valuable indicators of ocean acidification found in sediments. These organisms play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and are sensitive to changes in ocean chemistry, particularly the pH level. Ocean acidification, primarily driven by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leads to lower pH levels, which negatively impacts the ability of calcifying organisms to form calcium carbonate structures, such as shells and skeletons. Their decline can serve as an early warning signal for changes in ocean conditions, making them effective indicators of ocean acidification. Monitoring these organisms in sediment layers allows scientists to assess historical and ongoing changes in ocean chemistry, providing insights into the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The presence, health, and diversity of calcifying organisms offer critical information about the broader environmental conditions of ocean habitats.

The correct choice identifies calcifying organisms, such as corals and certain types of plankton, as valuable indicators of ocean acidification found in sediments. These organisms play a crucial role in marine ecosystems and are sensitive to changes in ocean chemistry, particularly the pH level. Ocean acidification, primarily driven by increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leads to lower pH levels, which negatively impacts the ability of calcifying organisms to form calcium carbonate structures, such as shells and skeletons.

Their decline can serve as an early warning signal for changes in ocean conditions, making them effective indicators of ocean acidification. Monitoring these organisms in sediment layers allows scientists to assess historical and ongoing changes in ocean chemistry, providing insights into the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. The presence, health, and diversity of calcifying organisms offer critical information about the broader environmental conditions of ocean habitats.