A new study warns that rising ocean acidification could damage shark teeth, threatening their ability to feed efficiently and destabilizing marine ecosystems. Researchers tested 60 naturally shed blacktip reef shark teeth in tanks simulating current ocean pH levels (8.1) and projected future levels (7.3). After eight weeks, teeth in the more acidic water showed double the damage, including root corrosion and weakened serrations.
Lead author Maximilian Baum of Heinrich Heine University said the findings add to concerns about sharks’ survival as acidification combines with overfishing and prey loss. While sharks may adapt by increasing tooth replacement, even moderate drops in pH could harm species with slower replacement rates. Experts note that further research is needed to see if damaged teeth still function effectively, but the study highlights another major consequence of unchecked CO2 emissions on marine predators.
