The acdification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern? 1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected. 2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected. 3. The survival o

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Q: 75 (IAS/2012)
The acdification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

question_subject: 

Ecology

question_exam: 

IAS

stats: 

0,240,140,240,25,14,101

keywords: 

{'calcareous phytoplankton': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'oceans': [8, 1, 8, 19], 'phytoplanktonic larvae': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'coral reefs': [2, 0, 0, 6], 'acdification': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'cloud seeding': [0, 0, 0, 1], 'growth': [1, 1, 1, 0], 'clouds': [0, 1, 0, 1], 'concern': [1, 0, 0, 4], 'phenomenon': [3, 4, 7, 15]}

The correct answer is:

1, 2, and 3 only

Explanation:

The phenomenon of ocean acidification is a cause of concern for several reasons, including the following:

1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected: Calcareous phytoplankton such as coccolithophores and foraminifera use calcium carbonate to build their shells or tests. As the ocean becomes more acidic, the concentration of carbonate ions decreases, making it harder for these organisms to build and maintain their shells or tests. This can have a cascading effect on the food chain, as many other organisms rely on phytoplankton as a food source.

2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected: Corals also use calcium carbonate to build their skeletons. As the ocean becomes more acidic, it becomes more difficult for corals to form and maintain their skeletons. This can lead to the degradation of coral reefs, which are important habitats for many species of fish and other marine organisms.

3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected: Many species of marine animals, such as oysters, clams, and sea urchins, have a larval stage that is dependent on the availability of phytoplankton for food. If phytoplankton populations decline due to ocean acidification, the survival of these larvae may be adversely affected.

4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected: This statement is incorrect. Ocean acidification does not have a direct effect on cloud formation or cloud seeding.

Therefore, the correct answer is 1, 2, and 3 only.

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