What are microplastics, according to the passage?
Plastic does not disappear when it is thrown away. Over many years, sunlight and waves break large pieces into tiny fragments called microplastics, some smaller than a grain of rice. These fragments are eaten by plankton and small fish, and so they enter the food chain. Scientists are still studying how this affects the health of larger animals and of the people who eat seafood. What is clear, however, is that a large share of ocean plastic comes from discarded fishing gear and from rubbish carried out to sea by rivers. Several coastal towns have responded by placing special nets across stormwater drains to catch litter before it reaches the sea, and some fishing companies now collect old nets for recycling. Environmental groups argue that such measures help, but they add that reducing the amount of single-use plastic made in the first place would be more effective than cleaning up afterwards.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Tiny fragments formed when larger pieces of plastic break down
- Step 1: Sunlight and waves break large pieces into tiny fragments called microplastics.
Answer
Tiny fragments formed when larger pieces of plastic break down.
Why not the others: Special plastics that are made to dissolve in water: the passage says plastic does not disappear. Fish food made from recycled plastic: microplastics enter fish by being eaten, not by design. Large pieces of rubbish floating in rivers: microplastics are small fragments.
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