Chalk one up for coccolithophores

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Single-cell coccolilthophores clad in their Frisbee-like plates sometimes chain themselves together as in this image. CopyrightScience
Single-cell coccolilthophores – clad in their Frisbee-like plates – sometimes chain themselves together as in this image. Copyright©Science

Scientists have feared that gradual acidification of the world's oceans would wreak havoc with organisms that build protective outer shells. But a new finding shows at least three species of coccolithophores -- single-celled algae that are major players in the ocean's cycling of carbon -- are responding to ocean acidification by building thicker cell walls and plates of chalk, contrary to what some recent lab experiments have shown.


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