Questions: Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to acidification of the ocean. This can interfere with the ability of marine organisms to produce calcium carbonate to build their shell or exoskeleton.

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to acidification of the ocean. This can interfere with the ability of marine organisms to produce calcium carbonate to build their shell or exoskeleton.

Transcript text: Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can lead to acidification of the ocean. This can interfere with the ability of marine organisms to produce calcium carbonate to build their shell or exoskeleton.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the Problem

The problem is about the effect of increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere on ocean acidification and its impact on marine organisms.

Step 2: Understand Ocean Acidification

Increased CO2 in the atmosphere dissolves in ocean water, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3). This acid dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), which can further dissociate into carbonate ions (CO3^2-).

Step 3: Impact on Marine Organisms

The increased hydrogen ions (H+) lower the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic. This process interferes with the ability of marine organisms to produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is essential for building their shells and exoskeletons.