Final answer:
The greatest harmful effect of using large ships to transport materials across the ocean is the disturbance of colonies of photosynthetic plants near the ocean's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest harmful effect of using large ships to transport materials across the ocean is the disturbance of colonies of photosynthetic plants near the ocean's surface by the propellers from the ships. When propellers from large ships rotate, they create turbulence in the water, disrupting the colonies of photosynthetic plants. These plants provide food and oxygen to the marine ecosystem, so their disturbance can have a significant impact on the overall health of the ocean ecosystem.
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