[Campbell Biology P.1212] According to the interview, what are some ways plastic pollutants a... | Practice Question

According to the interview, what are some ways plastic pollutants affect marine life? Select all that apply

  • A: Microplastics can cause liver tumors and disrupt the endocrine system.
  • B: Microplastics can affect the number of offspring produced and their survival chances.
  • C: Large plastic pieces can lead to animal death through ingestion or entanglement.
  • D: Large plastic pieces can spread diseases and harm coral reefs.
  • E: Animals' eggs attached to large plastic pieces can be transported, harming existing communities.
  • F: All microplastics are smaller than a pea.

Explanation

The interview details several impacts: 'Some microplastics cause liver tumors, others disrupt the endocrine system, and still others affect the number of offspring produced or their chances of survival.' It also mentions 'Large pieces of plastic also cause lots of problems. An animal can die after eating a big piece of plastic or being entangled by it. Large pieces also can spread diseases or smother sections of a coral reef, harming the community of organisms that live there. In addition, animals or their eggs attached to large pieces of plastic can be transported long distances, bringing those animals to new locations where they may harm existing communities.'