Reading Passage for Questions 1-10
The Dangers of Plastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems
The global production of plastic has skyrocketed over the last century, transforming nearly every aspect of modern life. However, the convenience it offers comes at a steep price, particularly for our oceans. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the marine environment each year, creating a severe and growing threat to marine ecosystems and the countless species that inhabit them. This issue, known as **plastic pollution**, is not merely a visual problem of litter on beaches; it's a complex, pervasive crisis that affects everything from the smallest plankton to the largest whales.
One of the most immediate and visible dangers is the physical harm to marine life. Sea turtles, seals, and dolphins often become **entangled** in discarded fishing nets and plastic packaging, leading to injury, suffocation, and drowning. Moreover, many marine animals mistake plastic debris for food. Birds, fish, and mammals **ingest** plastic fragments, which can cause internal blockages, starvation, and a host of other health problems. These ingested plastics also contain **toxic chemicals** that can be transferred to the animal’s tissues, potentially moving up the food chain to higher predators, including humans who consume seafood.
Beyond the visible threat, there is the more insidious problem of **microplastics**. These are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Due to their small size, microplastics are easily consumed by a wide range of marine organisms, from filter-feeders like mussels to fish. The chemicals they contain can bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in the tissues of organisms over time, posing long-term health risks and disrupting marine food webs.
Addressing plastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Solutions range from individual actions, such as reducing single-use plastic consumption, to large-scale initiatives, like improving waste collection infrastructure and fostering international cooperation to regulate plastic production. There is no single solution, but a combination of efforts—from clean-up initiatives and technological innovations to policy changes and public awareness campaigns—is essential to mitigate this global crisis and protect our planet's oceans.