Answer:
Birds and marine mammals are generally considered to be more vulnerable to oil spills because they are more likely to come into direct contact with the oil, either through exposure to the oil on the surface of the water or through ingestion of oil-contaminated prey. Birds may become coated in oil when they land on the water's surface to feed or rest, and marine mammals may be exposed to oil through inhalation or ingestion of contaminated water or prey.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Oil spills can have significant impacts on a variety of marine species, including birds, marine mammals, fish, and organisms that live on the ocean bottom. The specific impact of an oil spill on any given species will depend on a variety of factors, including the type and amount of oil that is released, the location of the spill, and the sensitivity of the species to oil exposure.
- Fish and other organisms that live on the ocean bottom may also be impacted by oil spills, but they are less likely to come into direct contact with the oil and may be less sensitive to oil exposure. However, the impacts of an oil spill on these species can still be significant, as the oil can disrupt their habitats, contaminate their food sources, and impact their reproductive and survival rates.
- Overall, the impacts of an oil spill on any given species will depend on a variety of factors and can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the spill.