Sea Butterflies

Sea Butterflies

• The population of the sea butterflies in the Southern Ocean is shrinking due to climate change, making them extremely vulnerable

About Sea Butterfly

• Are a suborder of sea snails.
• They are found in all oceans but are more diverse and abundant in colder waters.
• Their shell is mostly transparent and very fragile and can be easily dissolved by ocean acidification.
• They  play a key role in transporting carbon from the surface to the deep ocean through their shells and fecal pellets

Ocean Acidification

• Increased carbon dioxide absorption by the ocean leads to higher acidity.
• Reduced availability of carbonate ions necessary for shell formation and maintenance.
• The ocean is the most acidic in winter because cooler water absorbs more CO₂. This means, the winter months are the most dangerous for the shelled sea butterflies

Practice Questions for Prelims

Which of the following statements regarding Ocean acidification are correct?
1) Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time.
2) The major cause is Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere.
3) Harm life forms that rely on carbonate-based shells and skeletons

Select the correct option from the codes given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1,2 and 3

Ans. d)

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