Now Even Sharks are Threatened by Acidic Oceans...!
Increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are correlated withn higher level of acidity in our oceans, which has long been linked to the destruction of our coral reefs, but now even sharks are feeling the sting.
The Slow Disintegration of the Ocean's Apex Predators
Sharks' teeth are one of the most advanced weapons in nature, honed over millions of years of evolution, capable of slicing through bone. However, researchers have found that increased ocean acidity could be quite literally dissolving these deadly tools.
In an experiment in a lab, Natural History Museum researchers placed blacktip reef sharks in aquariums that replicated the ocean environment at the end of this century. Half of the sharks lived in current ocean pH levels, and half swam in water made slightly more acidic — the same levels scientists predict if carbon emissions continue unabated.
Sharks exposed to higher levels of acidity have brittler teeth, more cracks in the enamel, and the sharpness of their teeth dulls quicker than they can re-sharpen them.
I guess this should be no surprise given that coral reefs are essentially made up of bone, which isn't that different to teeth, so we already know that acidification can wear down relatively hard objects....
Final thoughts...
As oceans continue to acidify, even the hardiest monsters of the deep are finding themselves vulnerable.
It's a reminder that beneath the oceans climate change is having a more far reaching impact than you might think....
On the upside, if sharks ever grew legs at least now some of them will have less dangerous teeth!
They don’t resharpen teeth. They have breakaway teeth with rows of teeth in queue. They will go through thousands of teeth over their lifetime. It’s an amazing and somewhat disturbing adaptation.
Imagine if we could be careless with our teeth. More people would open bottles with their teeth. It would be great for hockey players and fighters.
As it is, I’m frequently biting my cheeks and tongue.
Oh I know that feeling, it's horrible!
https://www.reddit.com/r/climate/comments/1ogqqka/now_even_sharks_are_threatened_by_acidic_oceans/
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I heard this the other day on the No Such Thing As A Fish podcast. Sharks are ancient creatures and some can live for hundreds of years. We need to show more respect for other life on this planet and do what we can to reduce our impact. It's shameful what we do for profit.
I agree with that it's shameful the impact we're having!
It’a valuable reminder of the importance of continued research and global efforts to mitigate CO₂ emissions.
It's gutting. We live in a place with no shortage of sharks, but I really don't want them to die - it has SUCH a huge knock on effect. Have you see The Shark Whisperer? Recommended.
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STOPNotice how this has little to do with the facts on the ground? (or under the sea, rather)
btw can you link the study or the news article you are referring to?
Reminder: Water's capacity to dissolve gas shrinks with rising temperature. (anti-propotional?)
If the ocean temperatures were to rise, the CO2 levels in the atmosphere would rise with it...
Even Greta isn't interested in the CO2 hysteria anymore.
Get over it!
I am all about preserving nature and saving anergy and all that, but publishing something based on assumptions only is so incredibly pointless.
It would be great if sharks could adapt as quickly as humans influence nature. Some species manage to do so, but mostly through phenotype change, like colors of feathers. But changing the way an organ works? That's going to be a tough one. And these are only the effects that we can observe, that we know of, that we even consider. So much damage stays under the radar.
Anyway, thanks for this information! I did not have that on my radar before, will add it to my pool of "CO2 is more than climate change".