The Ocean's Plastic Problem
The Ocean's Plastic Problem
The ocean is a vast and mysterious place, home to incredible creatures and important ecosystems. But our oceans are facing a serious threat: plastic pollution.
What is Plastic Pollution?
Plastic pollution happens when plastic waste ends up in the ocean and isn't properly removed. This plastic can come from many sources, including littering, improper waste disposal, and industrial activities. Because plastic doesn't easily break down, it can stay in the ocean for hundreds of years, causing harm to marine life and the environment.
The Impact on Marine Life
Marine animals often mistake plastic for food. Sea turtles might eat plastic bags thinking they are jellyfish, and seabirds can fill their stomachs with plastic pellets. Eating plastic can lead to starvation, blockages in the digestive system, and poisoning. Animals can also get tangled in plastic debris, which can cause injury, drowning, or suffocation. Whales, dolphins, seals, and many types of fish are all affected by plastic pollution.
Microplastics: A Tiny Threat
- Plastic Pollution:
- Plastic waste that ends up in the environment and causes harm.
- Microplastics:
- Very small pieces of plastic, less than 5 millimeters in size.
- Marine Life:
- Plants and animals that live in the ocean.
- Recycle:
- To convert waste into reusable material.
- ecosystems:
- Communities of living organisms interacting with one another and their physical environment.
- debris:
- Scattered pieces of waste, litter, or broken remains.
- accumulation:
- The gradual gathering or building up of a substance over time.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What is plastic pollution and where does it come from?
- 2How long can plastic stay in the ocean?
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About this explanatory article passage for 6th Grade
âThe Ocean's Plastic Problemâ is a explanatory article reading passage about Plastic Pollution, written for 6th Grade. It takes about 3 minutes to read (410 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.