When oil spilled from the Exxon Valdez oil tanker in 1989 into Alaska's pristine waters, animals and birds felt the immediate effects. For example, shortly after the spill, one quarter of a million seabirds, 2,800 otters, 300 harbor seals, 247 bald eagles, and 22 orcas were killed. Decades after the spill, oil can still be found on the shoreline. How could this happen?

Question

Biology

Kara Kent

29 April, 21:48

When oil spilled from the Exxon Valdez oil tanker in 1989 into Alaska's pristine waters, animals and birds felt the immediate effects. For example, shortly after the spill, one quarter of a million seabirds, 2,800 otters, 300 harbor seals, 247 bald eagles, and 22 orcas were killed. Decades after the spill, oil can still be found on the shoreline. How could this happen?

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Answers (1)

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Nico Combs · Answer 1

Oil immediately interferes with physical properties of feathers, hair and respiration, making it impossible for many animals to function properly.

Explanation:

For example, birds such as seabirds and bald eagles have to dive or get in the water at least partially in order to catch the fish they eat. Oil makes it impossible for these birds to locate their prey and when they get in contact with oil it makes it impossible for them to fly and be insulated against the cold. Otters and seals also lose insulation against cold water when their hair gets covered with oil and die of hypothermia. Orcas suffer from skin and eye irritation when they get in contact with oil and it may cause problems if it gets swallowed.