Final answer:
The statement is true; the decline in peregrine falcon populations due to DDT-induced eggshell thinning served as a warning about the environmental toxins, leading to a ban on DDT and recovery of falcon populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that certain species may warn us of toxins in the environment, and specifically that the near extinction of the peregrine falcon warned us of the dangers of DDT, is True. Pollution refers to any addition of substances or energy forms that disrupt the natural environment, which includes chemicals like DDT that can have far-reaching effects on wildlife. The case of the peregrine falcon is a classic example of how an organism can indicate the presence of environmental toxins. The use of DDT led to thinner shells in peregrine falcon eggs, resulting in fewer chicks hatching and a decline in their populations. This was a stark warning about the bioaccumulation effects of persistent pesticides, which eventually led to DDT being banned in many countries. Successful conservation efforts have since enabled the recovery of peregrine falcon populations, underscoring the importance of understanding and responding to the warning signs provided by wildlife.