Climate Change: Ocean Acidification May Create Better Parents

Ocean acidification may create better parents. Scientists have found that marine organisms living in acidified waters have the tendency to nurture their offspring to a greater extent than those in more regular conditions.

In this latest study, the researchers conducted field research off of the island of Ischia in Italy. They also did lab work in which the breeding patterns of polychaete worms were watched in closer quarters.

So what did they find? It turns out that these worms, located around the volcanic vents in the Mediterranean, grow and develop their eggs within the protection of the family unit. This is in contrast to closely-related species that release their offspring into the water column to fend for themselves.

"One of the most interesting annelid worms here typically grows to around 3 cm in length and is found on the seafloor," said Noelle Lucey, one of the researchers, in a news release. "It was previously thought that their breeding is triggered by a full moon, when they swim up to the surface and release-or 'broadcast'-their eggs. But our studies at the CO2 vents off Ischia have found something very different: those species living near the volcanic vents, in waters rich in carbon dioxide, seem to have adapted to the harsher conditions by brooding their offspring."

In fact, 12 of the 13 species that had colonized the vent area exhibited brooding characteristics. They also produced fewer and larger eggs that were usually retained within some kind of protective sac. Ten of these species were in higher abundance around the vents than in the areas surrounding them, sometimes with a ratio as high as nine-to-one.

The researchers also conducted genetic analysis to learn a bit more about the species. They found that they diverged recently and that the brooding behavior is probably the result of a more acidic ocean environment.

"This study brings us one step closer to understanding which marine species will be more resilient to climate changes," said Lucey. "In fact, our work helps in establishing a fundamental principle to be used to guide decisions on the conservation of marine ecosystems and to help better manage the fisheries and aquaculture industries."

The findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports.

Related Stories

Climate Change: Wild Boar Population Explodes with Warmer Temperatures

Ocean Acidification May Cause Major Food Web Changes with Warming Temperatures

For more great science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).