MEGA Elementary Education Multi-Content Practice Test

What is a likely impact of climate change on oceanic conditions?

1. Stability of pH levels in marine environments

2. Lower incidence of ocean acidification

3. Increased frequency of marine heatwaves

4. Decreased carbon dioxide levels in seawater

The correct answer is: Increased frequency of marine heatwaves

The selected response correctly identifies that climate change is likely to lead to an increased frequency of marine heatwaves. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, this warming extends to ocean waters, contributing to more frequent and prolonged heatwaves in marine environments. These heatwaves can have profound effects on marine ecosystems, leading to coral bleaching, shifts in species distributions, and disruptions to the food chain. Climate change impacts the ocean in various ways, including thermal stratification, which can enhance the conditions favorable to marine heatwaves. The rising temperatures can also exacerbate other stressors, such as pollution and overfishing, further impacting marine life and habitats. In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios that are less likely to occur as a direct result of climate change. The stability of pH levels and lower incidence of ocean acidification contradict the scientific consensus that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to higher levels of CO2 absorption in oceans, resulting in more acidic waters. Similarly, decreased carbon dioxide levels in seawater is unlikely, as climate change typically results in increased levels of carbon dioxide due to emissions and ongoing anthropogenic activities. Thus, the identification of increased frequency of marine heatwaves as an impact of climate change aligns with current scientific understanding of oceanic conditions.