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#marine life

3 public questions tagged with this topic.

Applied Ecology

Which aquatic animal has NOT been found with microplastics in studies?

Microplastics have been reported in marine and aquatic invertebrates, birds, and whales, among many other organisms. Invertebrates ingest particles during filter feeding, deposit feeding, or grazing; birds acquire them directly and through prey; whales can ingest large numbers while filter feeding or consuming contaminated food. Therefore none of the listed animal groups can be identified as wholly unreported. Particle size, shape, polymer type, weathering state, and associated chemicals all influence uptake and biological response, so microplastics are not a uniform toxicant. Laboratory effec

Ref: Campbell Biology, Urry et al., 12th Ed., Unit 8 Ecology

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Applied Ecology

Which of the following organisms are affected by plastic ingestion?

Plastic ingestion affects marine birds, mammals, turtles, and fish, as well as many invertebrates. Animals may mistake fragments for prey or ingest particles indirectly through contaminated food. Consequences include gut blockage, false satiation, reduced body condition, tissue injury, and exposure to additives or sorbed contaminants. Restricting the effect to one group ignores extensive observations across trophic levels and feeding modes. Trophic transfer can occur when predators consume contaminated prey, although evidence for consistent biomagnification of particle numbers remains system-d

Ref: Campbell Biology, Urry et al., 12th Ed., Unit 8 Ecology

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