Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide threatens coral reefs by ___________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to the absorption of more carbon dioxide by the ocean. This causes the ocean to become more acidic, which decreases the pH of the water. In addition to this, the increase in carbon dioxide also contributes to global warming, which raises the temperature of the oceans. Both the decrease in pH and increase in temperature have negative impacts on coral reefs, which may cause them to die off. Therefore, the correct choice is B, which states that the increase in carbon dioxide increases the temperature and decreases the pH of the oceans, directly threatening coral reefs.

Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Threatens Coral Reefs by ___________