An Ocean of Plastic Flashcard

Front

What percentage of ocean plastic starts out on land?

Back

80%

Front

What are plastics made of?

Back

Polymers

Front

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of plastics mentioned in the text? They are cheap and easy to make, They are biodegradable, They are lightweight, They are water-resistant

Back

They are biodegradable

Front

Why is plastic considered a problem pollutant?

Back

It fragments and can stick around for hundreds or thousands of years.

Front

What are the tiny pieces that plastic breaks into over time known as?

Back

Microplastic

Front

What can happen to sea creatures that eat plastic which has absorbed harmful chemicals?

Back

They can be exposed to higher amounts of pollutants.

Front

What is one of the biggest problems of plastic pollution on sea life?

Back

Sea creatures can become entangled in plastic netting.

Front

What can happen to sea turtles that mistake plastic bags for jellyfish?

Back

They can starve to death or develop serious infections.

Front

What can microplastic pieces be mistaken for by marine animals?

Back

Plankton

Front

According to a 2015 study, how many marine species have been observed entangled in or eating plastic? Options: Nearly 500 marine species, Nearly 600 marine species, Nearly 700 marine species, Nearly 800 marine species

Back

Nearly 700 marine species