What effect does increased acidity have on aquatic life?

What effect does increased acidity have on aquatic life?

• A. It promotes organism survival
• B. It limits organism survival
• C. It has no effect on aquatic organisms
• D. It encourages fish growth

Answer: (B)

Increased acidity in aquatic environments, typically measured as a decrease in pH, has significant detrimental effects on aquatic life. As the acidity of water increases, it can disrupt the physiological processes of many organisms, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. This is because many aquatic species rely on specific pH ranges to maintain their bodily functions, including respiration, reproduction, and digestion. For example, increased acidity can lead to increased concentrations of toxic metals and affect the availability of essential nutrients, which can severely limit growth and reproduction. Fish and other aquatic organisms may experience stress that leads to decreased immune responses, making them more susceptible to diseases. Furthermore, many fish species require certain pH levels for optimal development and survival of their eggs and larvae. Overall, the increase in acidity poses significant challenges to the survival of aquatic organisms, making it a critical environmental concern.

Increased acidity in aquatic environments, typically measured as a decrease in pH, has significant detrimental effects on aquatic life. As the acidity of water increases, it can disrupt the physiological processes of many organisms, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. This is because many aquatic species rely on specific pH ranges to maintain their bodily functions, including respiration, reproduction, and digestion.

For example, increased acidity can lead to increased concentrations of toxic metals and affect the availability of essential nutrients, which can severely limit growth and reproduction. Fish and other aquatic organisms may experience stress that leads to decreased immune responses, making them more susceptible to diseases. Furthermore, many fish species require certain pH levels for optimal development and survival of their eggs and larvae.

Overall, the increase in acidity poses significant challenges to the survival of aquatic organisms, making it a critical environmental concern.