If the temperature of our oceans continues to rise, what possible long-term effect will this have on marine life?
A. The geographic range of phytoplankton will decrease, thus increasing the base of the marine food chain.
B. The distribution of marine life will increase due to the increase in temperature.
C. The diversity of marine life will increase due to the increase in temperature.
D. The available oxygen of ocean waters will decrease, thus reducing marine life diversity.
Answer (2)
Rising ocean temperatures primarily reduce marine life diversity by lowering oxygen levels and impacting the distribution of essential species like phytoplankton. Therefore, the correct multiple choice answer is D: The available oxygen of ocean waters will decrease, thus reducing marine life diversity.
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Rising ocean temperatures negatively impact marine life primarily by decreasing the geographic range and diversity of species. The reduction of oxygen levels due to warmer waters can create uninhabitable conditions for many marine organisms. Therefore, the correct potential long-term effect is a decrease in diversity due to the rising temperatures. ;
