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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Discuss the impact of ocean acidification on marine life.

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1711529305

Topic: Discuss the impact of ocean acidification on marine life.

Model Answer:

The increase in the acidity of the world's oceans, known as ocean acidification, is a growing environmental concern that poses significant threats to marine life. This essay will explore the various ways in which ocean acidification negatively affects marine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.

Firstly, ocean acidification interferes with the ability of many marine species to form shells and exoskeletons made from calcium carbonate. Calcareous organisms such as mollusks, crustaceans, and some types of plankton are particularly vulnerable to these changes. As the acidity increases, it becomes more challenging for these organisms to build and maintain their protective shells and exoskeletons, which ultimately weakens them and makes them more susceptible to predation and environmental stressors.

Secondly, ocean acidification has a detrimental impact on the reproductive success of various marine species. For instance, it can affect the fertilization process in certain fish species by reducing sperm quality and motility. Additionally, the increased acidity can interfere with the ability of corals to reproduce successfully, which in turn affects the structure and diversity of coral reefs.

Moreover, ocean acidification has indirect consequences for marine life through its effects on food chains and ecosystems. As calcareous organisms decline due to the loss of shell-building capability, it disrupts the balance of the food chain. For example, many species of zooplankton rely on these organisms as a primary food source. This, in turn, affects the larger predators that feed on these zooplankton, creating a ripple effect throughout the marine ecosystem.

Lastly, ocean acidification can also lead to physiological stress and behavioral changes in some marine species. For instance, it has been observed that some fish exhibit reduced swimming ability and impaired sensory functions due to increased acidity. Additionally, the altered pH levels can affect the behavior of marine mammals such as sea turtles, which may result in decreased reproduction rates.

In conclusion, ocean acidification poses a significant threat to marine life by impacting the ability of organisms to form shells and exoskeletons, disrupting reproductive success, altering food chains, and causing physiological stress and behavioral changes in affected species. As such, it is crucial for governments, organizations, and individuals to take necessary steps to mitigate ocean acidification and protect the world's oceans and marine life.

Overall score (based on IELTS scoring standards):
- Task Response: 9
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5
- Lexical Resource: 8.5
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.5
- Total: 34.5 / 50

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