Sharks' teeth—some of nature's sharpest and most formidable weapons—may not withstand the effects of future ocean acidification, new research suggests.

Scientists at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf in Germany found that the teeth of blacktip reef sharks became visibly damaged after being exposed to water with the same acidity expected in the oceans of 2300.

The findings indicate that as carbon dioxide emissions continue to drive ocean acidification, the health of sharks' teeth could be compromised— posing a threat to the survival of even these apex predators.

Researchers placed 16 discarded and undamaged shark teeth in water with a pH of 8.1—representing today's average ocean conditions—and 7.3, the level that scientists estimate oceans could reach by 2300.

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