Biology Regents Practice Exam

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What is one environmental implication of increased carbon dioxide levels?

Reduction of greenhouse effects
Increased ocean acidity
Enhancement of biodiversity
Positive impacts on plant growth

The correct answer is: Increased ocean acidity

Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere lead to higher concentrations of this gas being absorbed by the oceans. As carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which subsequently dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, resulting in a lower pH of the ocean water. This process is known as ocean acidification, and it poses significant threats to marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, such as corals, mollusks, and certain plankton species. These changes in ocean chemistry can disrupt ecosystems and food webs, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered marine habitats, making the implications of increased carbon dioxide levels particularly concerning for marine environments.