Marine corals and shelled organisms ____.
A) release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as they convert carbonate ions to hard shells
B) convert carbon from the remains of dead plants and animals to hard shells
C) extract carbon from the lower crust and upper mantle
D) absorb calcium and carbonate ions from seawater and convert them to hard shells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Marine corals and shelled organisms absorb calcium and carbonate ions from seawater and convert them to hard shells. This process is known as biomineralization. They do not release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but rather use it to build their shells. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Marine Corals and Shelled Organisms ____