"Trash Vortex" Flashcard

Front

What are microplastics?

Back

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5mm in size that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured as small particles.

Front

What is biodegradable?

Back

Biodegradable refers to materials that can be broken down by natural processes, such as by bacteria or other living organisms.

Front

What is the impact of plastic pollution on marine life?

Back

Plastic pollution can harm marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction, leading to health issues and death.

Front

What are gyres?

Back

Gyres are large systems of circulating ocean currents, which can trap debris and create areas of high plastic concentration.

Front

What is the role of waxworms and mealworms in addressing plastic pollution?

Back

Waxworms and mealworms can digest certain types of plastics, potentially offering a biological solution to plastic waste.

Front

What happens to plastic trash in the ocean?

Back

Plastic trash in the ocean can break down into smaller pieces, contributing to microplastics and affecting marine ecosystems.

Front

What is phytoplankton?

Back

Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that live in water and are a crucial part of the ocean's food web.

Front

What is the term for the process of breaking down materials by natural means?

Back

Decomposition.

Front

What is the significance of downstream in relation to plastic waste?

Back

Downstream refers to the direction in which water flows, indicating that plastic waste can travel far from its source, affecting distant ecosystems.

Front

What are some common sources of plastic pollution?

Back

Common sources include single-use plastics, packaging, and discarded plastic products.