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Ocean Acidification Poses Extinction Risk for Sharks

9/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ocean acidification threatens sharks and could drive them toward extinction within centuries.
Acidic water corrodes discarded shark teeth, causing visible degradation and structural harm.
Sharks rely on teeth for survival, using them to interact with the environment and feed.
Current ocean pH is 8.1 (down from 8.2 pre-industrial); 7.3 is projected in 300 years.

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Story summary

Ocean acidification threatens sharks and could drive them toward extinction within centuries.
Acidic water corrodes discarded shark teeth, causing visible degradation and structural harm.
Sharks rely on teeth for survival, using them to interact with the environment and feed.
Current ocean pH is 8.1 (down from 8.2 pre-industrial); 7.3 is projected in 300 years.