Question

question 20
3 pts
(cs 3) how do human actions negatively impact ocean ecosystems?
burning of fossil fuels increases the acidity of the oceans.
increased tourism and day sailors disrupt the ocean environment.
reducing carbon dioxide emissions threatens ecosystems and food supplies.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: Burning fossil fuels releases $CO_2$, which dissolves in oceans to form carbonic acid, increasing ocean acidity. This harms marine life (e.g., coral reefs, shell - forming organisms).
• Analyze Option 2: While tourism/sailors can impact local areas, their disruption is less widespread and fundamental to ocean ecosystems compared to ocean acidification from fossil fuel burning.
• Analyze Option 3: Reducing $CO_2$ emissions is beneficial, not a negative impact. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Burning of fossil fuels increases the acidity of the oceans.