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CO^2 is released
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels. For example, coal and gas are burnt to generate electricity. Another way CO^2 is released is when cars and trucks burn gas and diesel. -
Dissolved CO^2
The carbon dioxide is dissolved into the ocean combines with the water molecules. This combination results in the creation of carbonic acid. The carbonic acid breaks down into bicarbonate and carbonate. -
Bicarbonate
As the carbonic acid breaks down into bicarbonate and carbonate it releases hydrogen ions. This results in the increased acidity of the ocean and lower pH levels. The hydrogen combines with the carbonate to form additional bicarbonate. -
Less carbonate in the Ocean
The more CO^2 dissolved the more bicarbonate forms. The more bicarbonate there is results in less carbonate. During this whole process, the levels of calcium in the ocean stay steady. -
Less Calcium Carbonate
If there is less carbonate then there is less calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is needed to make the sea urchin shells. The calcium carbonate allows for the shells to form correctly and strongly. -
Acidity and Sea Urchin Shells
However with the increasing acidity in the ocean sea urchins are not receiving enough calcium carbonate to form their shells. The lack of calcium carbonate can severely harm a sea urchin. For example insufficient calcium carbonate stunts their growth, creates weaker shells, and possibly leads to their death. -
Summary And How This Relates To Coyotes
Sea urchins have to tolerate and adapt to the many changes to their ecosystems. Of these changes is the abiotic factor of the ocean’s acidity. As the acidity increases, the sea urchins are stunted in growth and could possibly die. Similarly coyotes face challenges from abiotic feature and changes to their ecosystem. This includes lack of space, lack of water, excessive heat during the summer, and more; yet the coyotes will still have to learn how to adapt and tolerate these challenges.
