Image : Ocean Acidification: A Risky Shell Game

Among organisms the scientists grew under varied levels of CO₂ were commercially important species such as American lobster (Homarus americanus). In a surprising result, the lobster on the right, grown under a very high level of CO₂ (2,850 ppm, or 10 times pre-industrial levels) grew a larger, heavier shell than the lobster on the left, grown under today's CO₂ level (400 ppm). (Photo courtesy of Justin Ries, University of North Carolina)

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Last updated: February 21, 2012