If photosynthesis increases with ocean CO2 levels, wont phytoplankton and seagrasses do better?
Communities of organisms found near shallow near-shore volcanic CO2 vents demonstrate that certain microalgae, seaweeds and seagrasses grow very well in areas that experience long-term exposure to elevated CO2. However, this work also shows that coastal ecosystems are degraded due to the long-term effects of ocean acidification. Biodiversity is lost: groups of organisms such as coralline algae gradually disappear as pH falls, and they are replaced by thriving stands of invasive algae. This raises concerns that ocean acidification will allow alien algae to proliferate and disrupt coastal habitats.
Related Questions
- Photosynthesis is expected to rise with ocean CO2 levels, and corals contain photosynthesizing algae, so won corals benefit from rising CO2?
- If photosynthesis increases with ocean CO2 levels, won?t phytoplankton and seagrasses do better?
- Why have atmospheric CO2 levels fluctuated over Earth’s history?
