Deep-water corals
A) Are made of calcite and therefore not subject to dangers of increased carbon dioxide
B) Have an organic skeleton
C) Are generally made of aragonite and are therefore endangered from increasing dissolved carbon dioxide
D) Are known to have experienced before industrialization carbon dioxide concentrations that are greater than the present day

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deep-water corals are generally made of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate that is more soluble in water than calcite. This makes them particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification caused by increased levels of dissolved carbon dioxide, which can dissolve their aragonite skeletons.

Deep-Water Corals