Question
How might an oil spill affect organisms in a marine ecosystem?
Study reveals sunlight can help dissolve oil into seawater
a
It may cause overgrowth of marine plants.
b
It may add CFCs and PCBs to Earth's atmosphere.
c
It may cause an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
d
It may trap organisms and decrease sunlight below the water's surface.
Study reveals sunlight can help dissolve oil into seawater
a
It may cause overgrowth of marine plants.
b
It may add CFCs and PCBs to Earth's atmosphere.
c
It may cause an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
d
It may trap organisms and decrease sunlight below the water's surface.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
An oil spill can have significant detrimental effects on organisms in a marine ecosystem. Among the options provided, the most relevant impact is:
**d. It may trap organisms and decrease sunlight below the water's surface.**
When oil spills occur, the oil creates a surface layer on the water, which can block sunlight from penetrating through the water. This reduction in sunlight can affect photosynthetic organisms, such as phytoplankton and seagrasses, which are vital to the food web and overall health of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, oil can physically trap marine organisms, making it difficult for them to move, breathe, or feed.
The other options do not accurately describe the immediate effects of an oil spill on a marine ecosystem.
**d. It may trap organisms and decrease sunlight below the water's surface.**
When oil spills occur, the oil creates a surface layer on the water, which can block sunlight from penetrating through the water. This reduction in sunlight can affect photosynthetic organisms, such as phytoplankton and seagrasses, which are vital to the food web and overall health of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, oil can physically trap marine organisms, making it difficult for them to move, breathe, or feed.
The other options do not accurately describe the immediate effects of an oil spill on a marine ecosystem.