Habitat Affected
Plant Life
If the oil washes into coastal marshes, mangrove forests or other wetlands, fibrous plants and grasses absorb the oil, which can damage the plants and make the whole area unsuitable as wildlife habitat.
Environmental damage to plant life has long term impact.
Marine Life
Since most oils float, the creatures most affected by oil are animals like sea otters and seabirds that are found on the sea surface or on shorelines if the oil comes ashore.
- During most oil spills, seabirds are harmed and killed in greater numbers than other kinds of creatures.
- Sea otters can easily be harmed by oil, since their ability to stay warm depends on their fur remaining clean.
- If oil remains on a beach for a while, other creatures, such as snails, clams, and terrestrial animals may suffer.
Environmental damage to marine life can be severe.
Ultimately, the severity of environmental damages caused by a particular oil spill depends on many factors, including:
- the amount of the oil spilled
- the type and weight of the oil
- the location of the spill
- the species of wildlife in the area
- the timing or breeding cycles and seasonal migrations, and
- the weather at sea during and immediately after the oil spill
Source: NOAA
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. Which of the following are harmed and killed in greater numbers than any other creatures by most oil spills?
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