APSC ILM 2025: Impact of polar ice melt on marine ecosystems (Notes+MCQ)

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CA

Reframe:

Evaluate the following statements regarding the effects of polar ice melt on marine ecosystems:

1. The melting of polar ice leads to habitat loss, significantly impacting species such as polar bears and penguins.
2. Variations in ocean salinity and temperature due to ice melt are influencing marine biodiversity.
3. Ocean acidification enhances the survival of shell-forming marine species by creating more favorable conditions.

How many of these statements are incorrect?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Solution: A

Statement 1 is correct because polar ice melt leads to habitat loss for species like polar bears and penguins, which depend on sea ice for hunting and breeding.

Statement 2 is also correct, as changing salinity and rising ocean temperatures due to melting ice are altering marine biodiversity, affecting species composition and distribution.

However, statement 3 is incorrect because ocean acidification harms shell-forming species by reducing the availability of carbonate ions, which are essential for building shells. Acidification poses a severe threat to these species.