Sharks are known for their razor-sharp teeth, but a new study warns that rising ocean acidity could leave even the sea\u2019s fiercest predators with weaker, more brittle bites.<\/p>\n
At the heart of the problem is ocean acidification, a process driven by human-caused carbon dioxide emissions. As Sara Tonks<\/a>, weather.com digital meteorologist and marine science expert, explained: \u201cBasically, what happens is as there is an increased amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, that\u2019s getting absorbed by the oceans and that\u2019s resulting in a higher concentration of hydrogen ions. More hydrogen means more acidic water.\u201d<\/p>\n The research team<\/a> behind the study tested this effect by placing blacktip reef shark teeth in artificial seawater at two pH levels: the current ocean average of 8.1 and a more acidic 7.3, which is what scientists project it to be by the year 2100 if emissions continue unchecked. Within just eight weeks, the teeth in the acidic tanks showed alarming damage.<\/p>\n \u201cThe teeth became degraded and slightly corroded and became more brittle,\u201d Tonks said. \u201cIn a more acidic ocean, sharks\u2019 teeth are going to be less healthy.”<\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean sharks will swim around completely toothless. As Tonks noted: \u201cMost likely they\u2019re still going to grow teeth, but their teeth are going to be less strong overall, so they\u2019re going to have a higher chance of breaking teeth, losing teeth.”<\/p>\n (MORE: Can Sharks Predict The Weather?<\/a>)<\/p>\n Healthy teeth are crucial for sharks, not only to hunt prey but also to survive on diets that often include shellfish and crustaceans.<\/p>\n \u201cJust like humans need teeth to chew food, sharks use teeth to chew food,\u201d Tonks said. \u201cA lot of sharks eat shellfish and crustaceans, so they need those teeth to crunch down on shells. So without teeth to safely eat food, then they’re going to have a less healthy diet and ultimately become potentially malnourished.\u201d<\/p>\n So why should people care if sharks lose their bite? Beyond their fearsome reputation, sharks play an essential role in keeping oceans healthy.<\/p>\n \u201cSharks are very important parts of our ecosystems,\u201d Tonks explained. \u201cThey help with the distribution of nutrients in our oceans. … Everything is connected, so you can\u2019t just take out sharks and expect things to be OK.\u201d<\/p>\n