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 effect does plastic consumption have on the size of seabirds?

What specific changes were observed in the wings and bills of the seabirds studied?

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

How did the researchers collect data for their study on seabirds?

What are the implications of seabirds feeding their offspring plastic instead of fish?