Question

Based on the data shown in the graph, describe in words the relationship between carbonate ion concentration and calcification rate.

Short answer

There is a directlyproportional relationship between the rate of calcification and carbonate ion concentration.

Step-by-step solution

Coral reef skeleton

Scleractinians are coral organisms, which are majorly responsible for building the structure of the reef. When every polyp produces a calcium carbonate skeleton, large-shaped reef structures are developed.

Coral reef calcification

Calcification is when a thin layer of calcium carbonate is added to the coral skeleton, which progressively forms a massive coral reef. This process depends on several factors, among which the most important one is thedissolved carbonate ions.

Determination of relationship of carbonateion concentration and rate of calcification

If the graph forms a straight line that moves through the point of origin, then the relationship is proportional. The information in the graph represents the calcification rate which is directly proportional to the carbonate ions dissolved in the seawater. Therefore, the calcification rate will increase with the increase of carbonate ion concentration.