What two factors are negatively affecting coral reefs due to climate change? (1 point)
Higher ocean temperatures and more acidic waters
Higher ocean temperatures and less acidic waters
Lower ocean temperatures and more acidic waters
Lower ocean temperatures and less acidic waters
Higher ocean temperatures and more acidic waters
The correct answer is: Higher ocean temperatures and more acidic waters are the two factors negatively affecting coral reefs due to climate change.
To arrive at this answer, you need to understand the relationship between climate change and coral reefs. Here's how you can figure it out yourself:
1. Understand the impact of climate change on coral reefs:
- Climate change leads to rising global temperatures.
- Rising temperatures cause the oceans to warm up.
2. Consider the impact of higher ocean temperatures:
- Higher ocean temperatures stress the coral reefs and can lead to coral bleaching.
- Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white and making them vulnerable to disease and death.
3. Explore the impact of rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels:
- Climate change is also associated with an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
- The ocean absorbs a significant amount of this excess CO2, leading to increased levels of carbonic acid in the water.
- The increased acidity lowers the pH of seawater, a process called ocean acidification.
4. Consider the impact of more acidic waters:
- Acidic waters can hinder the ability of corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, affecting their growth and overall health.
- Additionally, increased ocean acidification can negatively impact other marine organisms that are part of the coral reef ecosystem, which can have cascading effects on the overall coral reef health.
Based on this understanding, the option where higher ocean temperatures and more acidic waters are negatively affecting coral reefs is the correct answer.