113-million-year-old fossils reveal how volcanic CO2 caused plankton extinction

Tiny fossils reveal ocean acidification caused a major planktic foraminifera extinction. Massive volcanic eruptions released carbon dioxide, making ocean waters more acidic. This chemical shift hindered shell formation for these vital marine organisms. Researchers used calcium isotopes in shells to find this missing evidence. The findings offer insights into modern ocean acidification's potential impacts.

By TOI SCIENCE DESK