The otoliths, or ear bones in fish are growing due to a rise in the carbon dioxide levels in the ocean. Science Daily says that the researchers conducting the study, from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego hypothesized that white seabass’ otoliths growing up in ocean water with a normal amount of CO2 would grow faster than a similar group that was growing in more CO2 than usual. However, the fish’s otoliths proved the scientists wrong; the carbon dioxide had the opposite effect. Why did the otoliths in the CO2 grow faster?
The researchers do not know how the fish are effected because of their large otoliths. Although they do know, as well as us, that the increased acidity in the ocean, burning of fossil fuels and human activities are the cause of the increase of CO2.
One of the researchers says, “If fish can do just fine or better with large otoliths then there’s not great concern. But fish have evolved to have their bodies the way they are.” The otolith assists the fish in “staying upright, navigating, and surviving.” Also, the otolith grows like trees or onions – in layers, so the scientists learn their age by counting the rings. Will the otoliths continue to grow bigger and bigger as the ocean obtains more carbon dioxide or will they level out over time? Are their any other types of fish, or other marine life that grow due to carbon dioxide?
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