Over Acidification Can Mess with a Fish's Mind
by Mark Fischetti
ScientificAmerican.com
Recent studies show that Carbon Emissions are taking a harsh toll on many aquatic species. When Carbon Dioxide is released into the atmosphere, it is eventually absorbed into the oceans, which makes the water more acidic. If the pH in an ecosystem is too low, smaller organisms, like Shellfish have trouble reproducing and forming their shells or skeletons. Also, it makes them use up more energy to combat the negative effects on their metabolic functions. A recent study, by Philip Munday, of the James Cook University suggested that lower pH levels can also harm organisms minds. For example, clown fish usually stay close to the coral reefs, but when pH is decreased they journeyed further from home, making it more likely for them to be eaten by a predator. Also, it significantly harmed their sense of smell, making it harder for them to recognize other members of the species. Another example would be the Chilean abalone snail. In acidic waters, their speed and reaction times were much slower than in water with lower Carbon concentration. According to Munday, the low pH levels harm the neurotransmitter, called GABA, in their minds, which moderates the nervous system and is vital to life. In order to test this, his team closely observed several fish in a high-acid environment to see how their sense of smell was affected. Then, he released a chemical that helped regulate GABA function, which showed that the Neurotransmitter was in fact effected by the acid levels. Overall, studies show that low pH levels can significantly harm aquatic organisms' brain functions.
I think this article provides a fascinating insight into how high Carbon emissions are damaging the environment. It shows that not only does it harm the atmosphere and change climate, but it has a strong affect on ocean acidity and wildlife. This demonstrates that action is needed to combat greenhouse gas emissions, since many species' lifestyles and survival instincts are jeopardized by water pollution. If no action is taken, many organisms will be in greater danger, because of their compromised mental states. I also think that the change in water acidity could also lead towards more adaptations that the animals accumulate in order to survive. On the other hand, if they are unable to adapt fast enough, it could ultimately lead to extinctions or endangerment, which would dramatically change ecosystems. In conclusion, this study shows the negative effects of high Carbon emissions and brings to light the effect it has on aquatic ecosystems.
by Mark Fischetti
ScientificAmerican.com
Recent studies show that Carbon Emissions are taking a harsh toll on many aquatic species. When Carbon Dioxide is released into the atmosphere, it is eventually absorbed into the oceans, which makes the water more acidic. If the pH in an ecosystem is too low, smaller organisms, like Shellfish have trouble reproducing and forming their shells or skeletons. Also, it makes them use up more energy to combat the negative effects on their metabolic functions. A recent study, by Philip Munday, of the James Cook University suggested that lower pH levels can also harm organisms minds. For example, clown fish usually stay close to the coral reefs, but when pH is decreased they journeyed further from home, making it more likely for them to be eaten by a predator. Also, it significantly harmed their sense of smell, making it harder for them to recognize other members of the species. Another example would be the Chilean abalone snail. In acidic waters, their speed and reaction times were much slower than in water with lower Carbon concentration. According to Munday, the low pH levels harm the neurotransmitter, called GABA, in their minds, which moderates the nervous system and is vital to life. In order to test this, his team closely observed several fish in a high-acid environment to see how their sense of smell was affected. Then, he released a chemical that helped regulate GABA function, which showed that the Neurotransmitter was in fact effected by the acid levels. Overall, studies show that low pH levels can significantly harm aquatic organisms' brain functions.
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| GABA neurotransmitter is essential to proper neurological function |
I think this article provides a fascinating insight into how high Carbon emissions are damaging the environment. It shows that not only does it harm the atmosphere and change climate, but it has a strong affect on ocean acidity and wildlife. This demonstrates that action is needed to combat greenhouse gas emissions, since many species' lifestyles and survival instincts are jeopardized by water pollution. If no action is taken, many organisms will be in greater danger, because of their compromised mental states. I also think that the change in water acidity could also lead towards more adaptations that the animals accumulate in order to survive. On the other hand, if they are unable to adapt fast enough, it could ultimately lead to extinctions or endangerment, which would dramatically change ecosystems. In conclusion, this study shows the negative effects of high Carbon emissions and brings to light the effect it has on aquatic ecosystems.
