Question detail
Explain how marine organisms use carbonates to make shells and skeletons.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere
Question
Explain how marine organisms use carbonates to make shells and skeletons.
Answer
Marine organisms, such as mollusks and corals, extract dissolved carbonates from seawater to form calcium carbonate (CaCO3). This process allows them to build their shells and skeletons, which provide structural support and protection.
Explanation
A strong answer should directly address the approved learning objective to explain that marine organisms used carbonates to make shells and skeletons. This question belongs to How carbon dioxide decreased within The composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, so the response should use that exact curriculum context rather than a generic statement. The answer is correct when it names the key idea, explains the link to carbonates, and keeps the wording specific to AQA GCSE revision.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Carbonate Use
Students often confuse the role of carbonates in marine organisms, thinking they are only used for energy rather than for structural purposes.
Emphasize that marine organisms use carbonates to create shells and skeletons, which are crucial for their structure and protection.
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