What is one global impact of acid rain?

Acid rain has significant ecological consequences, one of which is its detrimental effect on biodiversity, particularly in sensitive ecosystems. Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere and react with water vapor, forming sulfuric and nitric acids. When this acidic precipitation falls to the ground, it can severely alter the pH of soil and water bodies.

The impact on biodiversity occurs because many species, particularly aquatic life such as fish and amphibians, are highly sensitive to changes in pH levels. A lower pH can be toxic to these organisms, significantly decreasing their populations or leading to their extinction in severely affected areas. Additionally, acid rain can harm plant life by leaching essential nutrients from the soil, further disrupting ecosystems and the complex web of relationships between species.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes—none of which are associated with acid rain. For instance, increasing agricultural yields or enhancing soil quality contradict the reality of acid rain's harmful effects on crops and soil health. Similarly, the idea that it promotes the growth of new species also overlooks the fact that existing species may be lost due to the adverse conditions precipitated by acid rain. Thus, the reduction in biodiversity is a well-documented global impact of acid