Question

limestone is mostly made of sediment and the fossilized remains of ancient marine organisms. ions with ca²⁺ ions from weathered rocks to form calcium carbonate (caco₃), which makes up their shells and exoskeletons. when these organisms die, their mineralized parts sink to the ocean floor and become fossilized. over time, fossilized shells and exoskeletons mix with sediment to form carbon - rich rock in a process called limestone formation. carbon can be stored in limestone for millions of years! how might a rapid increase in atmospheric co₂ levels affect marine organisms? complete the paragraph. a rapid increase in atmospheric co₂ levels would cause more co₂ to dissolve into ocean water and form , which breaks down into h⁺ ions and other ions. as the concentration of h⁺ ions in the water increased, the oceans would become acidic. this could cause the shells and exoskeletons of some marine organisms to

Explanation:

When CO₂ dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$) which dissociates into $H^+$ ions and other ions. An increase in $H^+$ ions makes the water more acidic. Acidic conditions can cause the calcium - carbonate (which makes up shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms) to dissolve.

Answer:

First blank: carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$)
Second blank: more
Third blank: dissolve