THe Effect on Shell-building animals
Effect on Shell-Building Animals
When the CO2 is absorbed, it reacts with H2O to form Carbon Acid. Carbonic Acid breaks down easily into bicarbonate molecules and hydrogen ions (1). Calcium and bicarbonate cannot combine together to form shells . Instead, the carbonate binds easily with the hydrogen ions reducing the amount of available carbonate for shell-building (2). When shell-building animals don't have what they need to survive, their population lowers. With less of these organisms than usual, the intricate weave of the food web is disrupted. This disruption could cause even animals like the sea otter, who's diet is comprised mainly of crustaceans, to suffer the consequences of Ocean Acidification (5).
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/files/pteropodpics1_med.jpg
By Sarah McAmis