Multigenerational exposure to ocean acidification during food limitation reveals consequences for copepod scope for growth and vital rates

The copepod Calanus finmarchicus had reduced growth, development, and fecundity when exposed to ocean acidification conditions. However, offspring in the next generation did not have delayed development, suggesting that the species may have an ability to adapt to ocean acidification. The results also suggest that in a more acidified ocean as copepods will have higher respiration rates there will be less transfer of energy in the food web from copepods to animals that eat copepods. (Laboratory study)