A scientist observes that the shells of oysters this year are thinner than the shells of oysters several years ago. How could this trend be related to the use of fossil fuels?

Question

A scientist observes that the shells of oysters this year are thinner than the shells of oysters several years ago. How could this trend be related to the use of fossil fuels?

1. Higher levels of ozone in the ocean keep oysters from building shells.

2. Lower carbon levels mean that oysters do not have enough materials to build shells.

3. Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult.

4. Fossil fuel spills in the ocean prevent oysters from building shells.

Answer 1

3. Increasingly acidic ocean water makes building shells more difficult. Fossil fuel emissions contribute to the increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which is absorbed by the ocean and makes it more acidic. This acidity can make it challenging for oysters and other shell-building organisms to produce and maintain their shells.