The increase in the concentration of Co2 in the ocean waters would not only be one of the causes of the delay of the next glaciation that should affect our planet, but also one of the factors that could endanger the existence of aquatic fauna. According to the most recent research, the phenomenon would cause, in some aquatic specimens, changes in the behaviors usually implemented when they are in front of an obstacle or in the vicinity of a predator, from which they should be able to move away quickly after having recognized the smell.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
The increase in the concentration of CO2 in the waters of the oceans is not only one of the causes of which should affect our planet, but also among the factors that could jeopardize the existence of aquatic fauna. According to the most recent research, the phenomenon would cause, in some aquatic specimens, changes in behavior usually implemented when they find themselves in front of an obstacle or in the vicinity of a predator, from which they should be able to move away quickly after recognizing the smell.
The discovery was brought to light through two studies conducted internationally by researchersi, under the guidance of Paolo Domenici, member of the Iamc-Cnr (National Research Institute for the Marine and Coastal Environment). The results of the research carried out by the scholars were published by two leading scientific journals: the US Nature Climate Change and the UK Biology Letters.
The studies carried out show how fish, due to the progressive increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in ocean waters, will gradually lose their ability to lateralization, that is to recognize, when they are faced with an obstacle, whether it is more appropriate to move to the right or to the left. This difficulty was detected by observing the behavior of some fish present in the Australian coral reef, which, through experiments, have been subjected to much higher levels of carbon dioxide than current ones.
It seems that in the 2100, when the concentration of CO2 in ocean waters is equal to double the current levels, the fish will risk completely losing the ability to overcome obstacles by moving in the most appropriate direction. To jeopardize the survival skills of fish would be even more the probable future loss of the ability to react to the approach of a predator, recognized on the basis of the smell emitted by it, with the escape. The excessive presence of Co2 in ocean waters would in fact be able to jeopardize the correct functioning of some receptors of the nervous system of fish, with a consequent dangerous reversal of their usual behaviors in the face of obstacles and dangers.
Marta Albè
