Question

Explain how an oil spill devastates marine life when animals get covered by the toxic sludge.

Answer 1

Many animals clean themselves using their tongues, like cats. Therefore, when oil-covered animals try to clean themselves they can inadvertently ingest the toxic sludge and poison themselves. In addition, when crude oil covers feathers it interferes with their water-repelling properties preventing aquatic birds from floating properly.

Step-by-step explanation:

Edge 2021

Answer 2

Oil sticks to birds preventing them from flying. Whales and dolphins and other creatures that use blow holes can get oil into their respiratory system, making it difficult to breathe. Animals can also ingest the oil. This can be fatal and/or deadly in the short or long term.