How might an oil spill affect organisms in a marine ecosystem?
Study reveals sunlight can help dissolve oil into seawater
a
It may add CFCs and PCBs to Earth's atmosphere.
b
It may cause an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
c
It may trap organisms and decrease sunlight below the water's surface.
d
It may cause overgrowth of marine plants.
The correct answer is c: It may trap organisms and decrease sunlight below the water's surface.
Oil spills can have devastating effects on marine organisms in an ecosystem. The oil can coat the feathers of birds, fur of mammals, and scales of fish, causing them to be unable to regulate body temperature properly. It can also clog the gills of fish and other marine organisms, suffocating them. The presence of oil can also block sunlight from penetrating into the water, affecting photosynthesis in marine plants and limiting the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food chain. This can ultimately lead to a decrease in biodiversity and disrupt the entire ecosystem.