International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 120-129 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 121 As climate change continues, marine biology research plays an increasingly important role in global environmental protection and ocean management. By in-depth study of the impact of climate change on the ocean and the adaptation strategies of marine life, we can not only better understand the complexity of marine ecosystems, but also provide a solid scientific basis for developing effective protection measures and response strategies to ensure the protection of the ocean, and the sustainable development of its precious resources. 1 Responses of Marine Ecosystems to Climate Change 1.1 Biological impacts of ocean temperature changes Changes in ocean temperatures and their extreme manifestations, such as heat wave events, have profound effects on biological survival rates, reproductive cycles, and predator-prey relationships in marine ecosystems. As the global climate warms, the frequency and intensity of marine heat wave events continue to increase, causing many marine organisms to face unprecedented survival pressure. During heat wave events, the survival rate of marine life is significantly reduced, especially species that are more sensitive to temperature changes, such as corals in coral reefs. Research by Sahin et al. (2023) believes that heating rate is a good predictor of coral bleaching susceptibility, and rapid heating can lead to more severe bleaching and decline in coral health. Rising ocean temperatures are also having an impact on reproductive cycles, with temperature being a key trigger for reproduction in many marine species. Changes in temperature will affect the timing of reproduction, the development rate of larvae, and reproductive success, thereby further affecting the long-term survival and community structure of the species. Research by Hays et al. (2021) shows that marine heat waves not only have a destructive effect on coral reef ecosystems, but may also have a negative impact on the reproduction of endangered species such as sea turtles, showing the expansion of the scope of influence of marine heat waves. The impact of temperature changes on predator-prey relationships cannot be ignored. This impact may be manifested through changes in species behavior, distribution range, and physiological responses. Changes in temperature may lead to asynchronous spatial distribution between predators and prey. For example, some prey may migrate to cooler waters, but their predators may not be able to follow, leading to a break in the food chain. At the same time, rising temperatures may also accelerate the growth and development rate of prey, affecting its role and quantitative balance in the ecosystem. Such changes in predator-prey relationships can lead to major changes in ecosystem function and stability, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. 1.2 Impact of changes in ocean chemistry With the intensification of industrialization and human activities, the marine chemical environment is undergoing significant changes, and these changes have a profound impact on marine organisms and ecosystems. The increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is one of the main factors leading to seawater acidification. As more CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, the pH of the seawater drops, causing the environment to acidify. Seawater acidification poses a threat to many marine species, especially those species that rely on calcium carbonate structures, such as shells and coral skeletons, to protect themselves and support ecosystems. This chemical change weakens their ability to build and maintain structure, affecting the structural integrity and biodiversity of coral reefs. The decrease in dissolved oxygen in the ocean also has important consequences for organisms, especially those in the deep sea. The deep-sea environment is inherently hypoxic, but as stratification increases due to global warming, oxygen exchange between the surface and deep layers decreases, further reducing the dissolved oxygen content in the deep ocean. This low-oxygen environment is a huge challenge for deep-sea organisms that are highly dependent on oxygen. They may not be able to adapt to hypoxic conditions, leading to the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants is also an important aspect of changes in ocean chemistry. As industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and urban discharges continue to enter the ocean, concentrations of heavy metals and other harmful substances in water bodies increase, and these substances can accumulate through the food chain and ultimately cause toxic effects on the ocean's top predators. In a changing environment, the
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