Question

8, In paragraph 4, the author describes how the consumption of plastic by tiny sea creatures may harm humans. This effect comes as a result of

Answer 1

The harmful effect of plastic consumption by tiny sea creatures on humans is primarily due to the bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The accumulation of plastic toxins in tiny sea creatures, such as plankton, occurs when these organisms ingest microplastics. As larger marine species consume these contaminated creatures, the plastic-derived toxins accumulate in their tissues over time. This process, known as bioaccumulation, results in an increased concentration of harmful substances as we move up the food chain. For instance, if a small fish consumes plastic-contaminated plankton and is later consumed by a larger fish, the concentration of toxins in the larger fish will be higher. This trend continues as larger predators consume smaller ones, ultimately leading to a higher concentration of plastic-related toxins in species at the top of the food chain—species that humans may consume.

Bioaccumulated toxins from plastic ingestion pose a significant threat to human health when we consume seafood. As humans consume fish and other marine organisms at the top of the food chain, the accumulated toxins enter our bodies. Prolonged exposure to these toxins can result in adverse health effects, ranging from disruptions in the endocrine system to potential carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the link between plastic consumption by tiny sea creatures and harm to humans is a consequence of the bioaccumulation and transfer of toxic substances along the marine food web. This emphasizes the urgent need for global efforts to reduce plastic pollution and mitigate its impact on marine ecosystems and human health.

Full Question:

In paragraph 4, the author describes how the consumption of plastic by tiny sea creatures may harm humans. This effect comes as a result of?

Answer 2

In paragraph 4, the author describes how the consumption of plastic by tiny sea creatures may harm humans due to the bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain.

Step-by-step explanation:

In paragraph 4, the author discusses the consequential harm to humans resulting from the consumption of plastic by tiny sea creatures. The key mechanism at play is bioaccumulation.

As these small marine organisms ingest plastic particles, they also absorb the associated toxins present in the plastic.

The process of bioaccumulation involves the gradual accumulation of these toxins within the bodies of the sea creatures over time.

As larger marine organisms consume these plastic-laden organisms, the concentration of toxins increases.

When humans, often positioned at the top of the marine food chain, consume seafood contaminated with these elevated toxin levels, it poses potential health risks.

This cascading effect illustrates how plastic pollution not only directly impacts marine life but also indirectly endangers human health through the transfer and concentration of toxins up the food chain.

The author's description in paragraph 4 underscores the intricate interconnection between marine ecosystems and human health, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution on the entire food web.