Ocean acidification changes California's shell structure

According to new research, ocean acidity is altering the structure of shells along the west coast.

Previously, calcium crystals were abundant in California son's shell named Mytilus californianus. However, as detailed in a new study published in Global Change Biology, the unity of the shell structure of this species is no longer uniform.

Sophie McCoy, professor of biological sciences at Florida State University, said: "What we have seen in recent shells is small, malformed, uneven. This is significant changes. in the way these animals have to form their shells attached to the impact of an ocean chemistry '.

Ocean acidification changes California's shell structure Picture 1

Scientists at MSU analyzed the mineral composition of California shell samples from Tatoosh Island off the north coast of Washington. They compared this shell with shells since the 1970s, as well as male fossils several thousand years ago.

Their analysis shows that the shell composition has remained constant for thousands of years, but has changed in the last 15 years.

Chemical analysis also showed that the mussel shell has increased magnesium levels, suggesting that shell formation has been significantly altered due to changes in ocean acidity. Higher magnesium levels are responsible for the mineral change of this mussel shell.

Many studies show that global ocean temperatures increase, acidification and oxygen loss will also degrade biodiversity.

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