Ocean acidification (OA) occurs with the increase of human-made carbon dioxide in the waters. The impacts of acidification on marine ecosystems have been studied extensively over the past decade, but little research has been done to look at intraspecific differences in reaction to increased CO2 levels. The present study reviews all data collected about the interplay between effects of OA and the species’ sex among fish, crustaceans, echinoderms (starfish, sea urchins) and molluscs. Results showed only 4% of studies assessing sex-based differences to OA responses. The authors argue that accounting for sex-based differences will enable greater accuracy in projection of species survival and ecosystem management in response to OA.
Authors:
Robert P. Ellis, William Davison, Ana M. Queirós, Kristy J. Kroeker, Piero Calosi, Sam Dupont, John I. Spicer, Rod W. Wilson, Steve Widdicombe, Mauricio A. Urbina
Canadian contributor:
Piero Calosi, Departement de Biologie, Chimie et Geographie, Universite du Quebec a Rimouski, Email: piero_calosi@uqar.ca
Original paper published in Biology Letters on February 1, 2017.
