Question

Climate change is significantly impacting marine ecosystems. Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are threatening coral reefs and the biodiversity they support. Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and protect marine habitats are essential for preserving these critical ecosystems.
What is one impact of climate change on marine ecosystems mentioned in the passage?

• A. Reduced ocean acidification.
• B. Stable sea temperatures.
• C. Threatened coral reefs.
• D. Decreased marine biodiversity.

Hint:

When answering reading comprehension questions, always choose the option that is explicitly stated in the passage rather than one that is only implied.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The passage focuses on how climate change is negatively affecting marine ecosystems. Specifically, it highlights two key effects:
- Rising sea temperatures, and
- Ocean acidification.
It then states that these conditions are threatening coral reefs and the biodiversity that depends on them. This means the coral reefs are being damaged or put at risk, which directly matches Option C.
Let’s carefully evaluate the other Option:
- Option A ("Reduced ocean acidification") is incorrect. The passage actually says ocean acidification is increasing due to climate change and is part of the threat.
- Option B ("Stable sea temperatures") is also incorrect because the passage explicitly states that sea temperatures are rising, which contributes to the damage.
- Option D ("Decreased marine biodiversity") is a tempting choice because it's a logical consequence. However, the passage does not directly state this — it only mentions that coral reefs support biodiversity and that coral reefs are being threatened. Therefore, while biodiversity might be at risk, the directly stated impact in the passage is the threat to coral reefs.
Thus, Option C is the best and most clearly supported answer.