How do oil spills effect biodiverisity?
Oil spills significantly impact biodiversity by contaminating marine and coastal ecosystems, leading to habitat degradation and loss of species. The toxic components of oil can harm various organisms, from plankton to marine mammals, disrupting food chains and reproductive cycles. Additionally, the cleanup efforts can further stress the environment, often resulting in long-term ecological damage and reduced resilience of affected habitats. Overall, oil spills can cause declines in species populations and alter community structures, threatening overall biodiversity.