ABSTRACT

Seawater pH, temperature, hypoxia, and most of the heavy metal ions are important environmental factors that affect the survival of marine organisms. They can influence the growth, reproduction, and physiological aspects of marine life and then produce profound impacts on marine biodiversity. The responses to acidification during the entire life history stage can reflect the adaptability of one species to acidification. Acidification has a remarkable effect on the early development, calcification, metabolism, and other physiological processes of marine organisms, especially the calcified organisms. If the organisms cannot make a corresponding physiological or behavioral adaptation to changes in seawater pH, their survival in the acid environment will be difficult. The decrease of pH in seawater affects the physiological metabolism of mollusks, such as food intake, absorption, oxygen consumption, and ammonia excretion. The responses of marine organisms to ocean warming and acidification are quite different due to the differences in physiological and ecological characteristics.