10 Questions
Explain the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife.
Plastic pollution has a significant impact on wildlife, especially marine animals like albatrosses. They often ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food, which can lead to malnutrition, starvation, and other health issues.
What is the North Pacific subtropical gyre and how does it contribute to plastic pollution?
The North Pacific subtropical gyre is a large, clockwise swirl of plastic debris in the ocean. It accumulates and traps trash, causing it to linger for long periods before dispersing into different currents or being consumed by marine animals.
Where does the majority of marine trash come from?
About four-fifths of marine trash comes from land, particularly coastal cities. It is swept into the ocean, contributing to the accumulation of plastic pollution.
What is the biologist's perspective on the future of ocean plastic pollution?
The biologist expresses concern that plastic pollution will likely become more prevalent in the ocean over time. They anticipate that the problem will worsen before any significant improvement is seen.
How does plastic pollution impact the stomachs of wildlife, according to the text?
Plastic pollution can fill the stomachs of wildlife, leaving little room for food and liquid. This can lead to issues such as dehydration, starvation, and the ingestion of harmful objects like lighters and toothbrushes.
Explain the environmental threats to marine life in Florida's Key Largo area.
The environmental threats to marine life in Florida's Key Largo area include sewage and fertilizer runoff leading to algae growth, a 95% decrease in Elkhorn Coral due to sewage and farm runoff, and toxic algae blooms called red tide threatening manatees with extinction.
Describe the impact of plastic pollution on marine life in Hawaii and the North Pacific subtropical gyre.
Plastic pollution in Hawaii's Camilo Beach and the North Pacific subtropical gyre has led to extensive pollution with plastic debris, affecting marine life and prompting clean-up efforts and art shows using the collected trash.
What are some sources of plastic pollution affecting marine life in California?
Southern California rail yard and the LA River in California are significant sources of plastic pollution affecting marine life in the area.
How is plastic pollution impacting the seabird population in Midway Atoll in the Pacific?
Plastic pollution in Midway Atoll has led to a significant impact on the seabird population, with two out of five chicks dying due to consuming plastic, prompting paramedics to collect and dispose of dead birds due to the plastic pollution impact.
What are some specific impacts of red tide on marine life in Florida?
Red tide in Florida releases brevetoxin, causing nerve and tissue damage in manatees, leading to lung issues and fatalities, and threatening the marine ecosystem.
Study Notes
Environmental Threats to Marine Life
- Christ of the Abyss statue in Key Largo has stood for 40 years, but Florida's coral reefs are now covered in algae due to sewage and fertilizer runoff.
- Elkhorn Coral in Florida's Key Largo has decreased by 95% in the last two decades due to sewage and farm runoff.
- Sewage outfall near Hollywood, Florida, delivers nitrogen at 1,000 times higher than the threshold required to shift from corals to algae.
- Manatees in Florida are threatened by toxic algae blooms called red tide, causing deaths and reclassifying them as threatened with extinction.
- Red tide in Florida releases brevetoxin, causing nerve and tissue damage in manatees, leading to lung issues and fatalities.
- Hawaii's Camilo Beach is heavily polluted with plastic debris, prompting annual beach cleanups and art shows using the collected trash.
- Plastic pollution in the North Pacific subtropical gyre is extensive, with fine plastic fragments and pellets found in the ocean.
- A Southern California rail yard is a significant source of plastic pellets that end up in the ocean.
- The LA River in California contributes to plastic pollution in the ocean, affecting marine life.
- Midway Atoll in the Pacific is a major seabird rookery where half a million albatross chicks are born annually.
- Seabirds in Midway Atoll are affected by plastic pollution, with two out of five chicks dying due to consuming plastic.
- Paramedics in Midway Atoll collect and dispose of dead birds due to the impact of plastic pollution on the seabird population.
Test your knowledge of environmental threats to marine life with this quiz. Explore the impact of sewage and fertilizer runoff on Florida's coral reefs, the toxic algae blooms threatening manatees, and the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in the oceans. Learn about specific locations and their challenges, such as the Christ of the Abyss statue in Key Largo and Midway Atoll's seabird population.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
