Changing Waterways

Question 9 • IC Environmental Science - Deering

How does pollution affect marine life?

Answer

Pollution causes a decrease in phytoplankton populations and therefore a decrease in the occurrence of algal blooms.

Pollution causes destruction of coral reefs, which are important sources of shelter and breeding for marine animals.

Soaps, detergents, and plastics in the ocean decrease the acidity of ocean water, leading to a decrease in carbonate levels.

Pollution affects organisms close to the shoreline, but does not affect marine organisms far from the shore.

Explanation

Pollution can damage or destroy coral reefs, which provide marine animals with shelter and breeding grounds. Choice B correctly describes this harm. Choice C is incorrect because ocean acidification increases acidity and reduces carbonate availability; soaps, detergents, and plastics do not decrease acidity.

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