The Impact of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity

The Impact of Climate Change on Marine Biodiversity

Climate change is recognized as one of the most significant threats to global biodiversity, particularly in marine environments. The oceans are experiencing changes in temperature, chemistry, and currents, which are impacting marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

One of the primary consequences of climate change is the rise in sea temperatures. This warming has been linked to a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that live within their tissues. These algae provide corals with nutrients through photosynthesis and give them their vibrant colors. When sea temperatures rise, corals expel these algae, losing their color and essential energy source.

If ocean temperatures remain high for extended periods, bleached corals may die, leading to significant losses in coral reef ecosystems, which are among the most diverse on the planet. In addition to temperature changes, climate change is causing ocean acidification. This process occurs when the oceans absorb excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

The CO2 reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic. Acidification affects marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate structures, such as shellfish and certain plankton species. As the acidity of the ocean increases, these organisms find it more difficult to form and maintain their shells and skeletons, threatening their survival and the larger food webs they support.

Further, climate change is altering ocean currents and weather patterns, which can have wide-ranging impacts on marine life. Changes in currents can affect the distribution of nutrients and the migration patterns of marine species. For instance, many fish species rely on specific currents to transport their larvae to suitable nursery areas. Disruptions in these patterns can lead to declines in fish populations, affecting both biodiversity and human industries reliant on fishing.

Moreover, rising sea levels, another consequence of climate change, threaten coastal habitats such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems provide critical breeding grounds and protective areas for numerous marine species. As sea levels rise, these habitats can be inundated, reducing their capacity to support marine life.

In conclusion, climate change poses a multifaceted threat to marine biodiversity. The impacts of rising temperatures, ocean acidification, altered currents, and rising sea levels are profound and require urgent attention. Addressing these issues involves global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement conservation strategies to protect marine ecosystems.

Questions

1. What is the primary cause of coral bleaching mentioned in the passage? - (A) Overfishing - (B) Rising sea temperatures - (C) Increased salinity - (D) Pollution

2. The word "expel" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to: - (A) Attract - (B) Release - (C) Consume - (D) Protect

3. According to the passage, what happens during ocean acidification? - (A) The ocean's pH becomes more alkaline. - (B) The ocean absorbs less CO2. - (C) The ocean's pH decreases. - (D) The ocean releases CO2.

4. Which of the following marine organisms is directly affected by ocean acidification? - (A) Corals - (B) Fish - (C) Plankton - (D) Sea turtles

5. What can be inferred about fish populations from the passage? - (A) Fish populations are unaffected by changes in ocean currents. - (B) Fish populations may decline if migration patterns are disrupted. - (C) Fish have no dependency on specific currents. - (D) Fish populations increase when currents change.

6. What is the rhetorical purpose of paragraph 4? - (A) To explain the chemistry of ocean currents - (B) To describe the economic impact of fishing - (C) To illustrate the effects of climate change on marine species - (D) To analyze historical climate patterns

7. Which sentence could be inserted into paragraph 3? - (A) Rising sea levels also contribute to ocean acidification. - (B) Currents play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystems. - (C) This increase in acidity poses a significant threat to marine life. - (D) Coral reefs are unaffected by changes in ocean chemistry.

8. Summarize the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity discussed in the passage by selecting three correct statements. - (A) Rising temperatures cause coral bleaching. - (B) Ocean acidification strengthens calcium carbonate structures. - (C) Altered currents affect migration patterns. - (D) Rising sea levels benefit coastal habitats. - (E) Ocean acidification harms marine organisms with calcium carbonate structures.

9. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an impact of rising sea levels? - (A) Inundation of coastal habitats - (B) Decrease in mangrove areas - (C) Increase in coral reef growth - (D) Loss of salt marshes

10. The word "symbiotic" in paragraph 2 most likely means: - (A) Independent - (B) Competitive - (C) Mutually beneficial - (D) Hostile

Answer Key

1. (B) 2. (B) 3. (C) 4. (C) 5. (B) 6. (C) 7. (C) 8. (A), (C), (E) 9. (C) 10. (C)