Question 20N.3.SL.TZ0.b.ii
| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 2] | Reference code | 20N.3.SL.TZ0.b.ii |
| Level | SL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Describe | Question number | b.ii | Adapted from | N/A |
Plastic has accumulated in marine environments and is now causing problems for wildlife. Some marine birds have become entangled in plastic debris and some have been harmed by ingesting it. The table shows the extent of the problem worldwide in different groups of birds.
[Source: BIO Intelligence Service, 2011. Plastic Waste in the Environment. [pdf]
European Commission. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/studies/pdf/plastics.pdf.]
Describe how ingested plastics can cause problems to marine birds.
[2]
a. fill up the stomachs (of young birds) so they feel full / starve to death;
b. damage the digestive system / cut the gut/stomach/oesophagus/intestines (leading to internal bleeding);
c. block passage of food (causing starvation);
d. cause choking (so cannot breathe);
e. contain/decompose to toxic chemicals (poisoning birds)
OR
toxins/microplastics in seawater build up/biomagnify (and poison wildlife);
