What are the effects of acid rain on biodiversity?

Acid rain is a result of atmospheric pollution, primarily from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can fall to the ground as sulfuric and nitric acids. The correct response highlights that acid rain can significantly harm aquatic life, damage plants, and alter soil chemistry.

In aquatic ecosystems, acid rain can lead to lower pH levels in water bodies, making them more acidic. This change in acidity can affect the survival and reproduction of various organisms, particularly sensitive species such as fish and amphibians. For example, many fish species can only thrive within a certain pH range, and an increase in acidity can lead to reductions in fish populations and overall aquatic biodiversity.

Furthermore, acid rain negatively impacts terrestrial ecosystems by damaging plant life. The acidity can leach essential nutrients from the soil, inhibiting plant growth and leading to nutrient deficiencies. This can result in weakened plants that are more susceptible to disease and environmental stressors.

Additionally, the alteration of soil chemistry due to acid rain can disrupt the symbiotic relationships between plants and soil organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and plant health. The cumulative effects of these factors can lead to reduced biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, making the contribution of acid rain to ecosystem disruption profound