Plastic consumption turning seabirds smaller, study finds

A study by the University of Tasmania reveals that seabirds are shrinking due to plastic consumption. Researchers found that the wings and bills of Flesh-footed Shearwaters on Lord Howe Island have become shorter. The study, published in Environmental Science and Technology, shows that plastic ingestion leads to lower body mass and decreased kidney function. Blood samples indicated higher cholesterol, uric acid, and reduced calcium levels. The consumption of plastic is causing a decline in the seabird population as they feed their young plastic instead of fish.

What was the primary focus of the University of Tasmania's study on seabirds?

• The effect of plastic consumption on seabird size

• The impact of climate change on seabird migration

• The diet of seabirds in different seasons

• The breeding patterns of seabirds

What journal published the study on the effects of plastic on seabirds?

• Nature

• Science

• Journal of Marine Biology

• Environmental Science and Technology

Which health issues were identified in seabirds due to plastic consumption?

• Higher body mass and increased kidney function

• No significant health issues

• Lower body mass and decreased kidney function

• Increased body mass and improved kidney function

What did the blood samples from seabirds reveal?

• Higher calcium and lower uric acid levels

• Lower cholesterol and higher calcium levels

• Higher cholesterol and increased uric acid

• Normal cholesterol and uric acid levels

What is causing the decline in the seabird population according to the study?

• Overfishing in their habitat

• Loss of nesting sites

• Climate change affecting their environment

• Feeding their offspring plastic instead of fish