What is a consequence of plastics disrupting ecosystems?

Plastics disrupting ecosystems can have severe consequences, one of which is causing species extinction and reducing biodiversity. When plastic waste enters aquatic environments, it can lead to the ingestion of microplastics by marine organisms, which can be harmful or even fatal. Animals may become entangled in larger pieces of plastic, leading to injury or death, and entire populations can be impacted as these organisms struggle to survive in their altered habitats. This disruption can further cascade through food webs, affecting predators and prey alike, ultimately leading to a decrease in biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems rely on a variety of species to maintain balance; therefore, the loss of individual species from plastic pollution can significantly alter ecosystem dynamics and functions.