Describe effects of non-biodegradable plastics
Persistent plastics can injure or entangle organisms, be mistaken for food, accumulate in habitats and disrupt aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Core and Extended; Biology 0610, 2026–2028. Use the stated specimen features and evidence. Diagrams are schematic. Written practice is self-checked
Before you begin
- Know that organisms interact with other organisms and their environment.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
Why can non-biodegradable plastic remain in an ecosystem for a long time?
What you will learn
- Describe effects of non-biodegradable plastics in aquatic ecosystems
- Describe effects of non-biodegradable plastics in terrestrial ecosystems
Explain persistence and physical harm
Non-biodegradable plastics are not broken down readily by decomposers, so they can persist and accumulate in the environment. In aquatic ecosystems, organisms may become entangled in plastic or mistake it for food. Ingested plastic can obstruct digestion or reduce the amount of real food consumed.
Plastics can also cover surfaces or habitats, changing conditions for organisms. Larger items may fragment into smaller pieces, but fragmentation does not mean that the material has been biodegraded.
Include terrestrial effects
On land, plastic litter can entangle animals, block movement or be eaten by wildlife. Plastic can cover soil or habitats and affect organisms that live there. The effect depends on plastic type, location, amount and exposure.
Use the term non-biodegradable to explain why plastic can persist. Describe the affected organism or habitat and the consequence rather than claiming that all plastics have the same toxic effects.
Pause and explain
Which is a possible effect of plastic in a terrestrial ecosystem?
Worked example
A turtle eats a floating plastic bag. Explain one way this can affect the turtle.
Show the worked solution
- Plastic may be mistaken for food.
- Consider obstruction or reduced real food intake.
Answer The turtle may mistake the plastic for food. It can obstruct the digestive system or reduce the amount of real food eaten, harming the animal.
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Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Describe two effects of non-biodegradable plastic in aquatic ecosystems.
Give me a hint
Consider ingestion, entanglement and habitat coverage.
Compare my reasoning
- Aquatic animals may become entangled.
- They may mistake plastic for food or have habitats covered.
Plastic can entangle aquatic organisms, be mistaken for food and ingested, or cover parts of the habitat. Ingestion can obstruct digestion or reduce real food intake.
Look for these in your work
- Two effects included
- Consequences explained
Describe one effect of plastic litter in a terrestrial ecosystem.
Give me a hint
Name the organism or habitat and the effect.
Compare my reasoning
- An animal may become entangled or ingest plastic.
- Plastic can also cover soil or habitat used by organisms.
Terrestrial animals may become entangled in or ingest plastic, which can obstruct feeding or movement; plastic can also cover habitats and affect organisms living there.
Look for these in your work
- Terrestrial context explicit
- Effect described
A report says plastic fragments into smaller pieces, so the plastic has biodegraded. Explain the error.
Give me a hint
Distinguish physical fragmentation from biological breakdown.
Compare my reasoning
- Fragmentation reduces particle size.
- Biodegradation means decomposers break material down.
Fragmentation makes pieces smaller but does not necessarily mean decomposers have broken the plastic down. The material can remain persistent in the ecosystem.
Look for these in your work
- Terms distinguished
- Persistence explained
Common mistakes
- Saying fragmentation is the same as biodegradation
- Claiming every plastic is chemically toxic in the same way
- Discussing only aquatic habitats when the objective includes land
What can you explain now?
Why can non-biodegradable plastic remain in an ecosystem for a long time?
Compare with the explanation
It is not broken down readily by decomposers
Persistence allows it to accumulate.
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Make it stick
How can persistent plastic harm organisms in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems?
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