Impact of the BP Oil Spill on Gulf Ecosystem

The video discusses the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which released over 200 million gallons of oil. Scientists have been studying its impact on marine life, particularly blue crabs, a keystone species. Research involves collecting data on crab populations and examining the effects of oil exposure on their life cycle. The study is coordinated by the University of Southern Mississippi and funded by the National Science Foundation. Long-term environmental impacts are still uncertain, and while Gulf seafood is deemed safe, the safety for marine animals remains unclear.

How many gallons of oil were estimated to have been released into the Gulf of Mexico during the BP oil spill?

• 300 million gallons

• 400 million gallons

• 200 million gallons

• 100 million gallons

What is the primary focus of biologists studying the impact of the oil spill on marine life?

• Dolphin populations

• Sea turtles

• Blue crab populations

• Coral reefs

Why are blue crabs considered a keystone species in the Gulf of Mexico?

• They are the largest species in the Gulf

• They are both important predators and prey

• They are the fastest growing species

• They are the most colorful species

What is a significant risk to blue crabs due to the oil spill?

• Overfishing

• Increased predation

• Habitat loss

• Oil droplet exposure during larval stage

Where do blue crab larvae travel after spawning near shore?

• To coastal marshes

• To freshwater rivers

• To the open sea

• To the ocean floor

What is the purpose of the experiments being conducted on crabs exposed to oil?

• To measure their lifespan

• To track their migration patterns

• To determine their growth rate

• To observe their molting process

What is the expected outcome when crabs molt after being exposed to oil droplets?

• They become more colorful

• They lose the oil droplets

• They retain the oil droplets

• They grow larger

Which organization is funding the study on the impact of the oil spill on blue crabs?

• Environmental Protection Agency

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• World Wildlife Fund

• National Science Foundation

What is the current status of Gulf seafood according to government officials?

• Safe only for local consumption

• Safe for human consumption

• Unsafe for consumption

• Only safe for export

What is still unclear about the Gulf of Mexico following the oil spill?

• The clarity of its waters

• The safety of its animals

• The safety of its waters for swimming

• The temperature of its waters