What can be a result of acid rain on aquatic life?

Prepare for the Leaving Certification Ecology Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

Acid rain can have detrimental effects on aquatic life, one of which is disrupting food chains. The introduction of acid into aquatic ecosystems decreases the pH level of the water, which can be harmful to many organisms, including fish and invertebrates. Lowered pH levels affect the availability of nutrients and can lead to the leaching of toxic metals from sediments, which can be harmful to aquatic animals. This disruption can impact various levels of the food chain, as many species depend on a balanced ecosystem to thrive. For instance, if certain organisms that serve as food for fish are affected by acidity, it can lead to a decrease in fish populations, thereby altering the entire food web structure.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of acid rain. Acid rain does not enhance algae growth but can disrupt the balance of nutrients, potentially leading to detrimental algal blooms. It does not increase oxygen levels, as the water quality usually suffers with increased acidity. Finally, fish reproduction can be negatively impacted rather than promoted due to the harmful conditions created by acid rain, such as altered breeding habitats and decreased survival rates of eggs and larvae.

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