Connecting Ideas on Pollution's Impact
Listen closely to the following excerpt from a lecture on the effects of pollution on ecosystems.
Professor: Today, we are going to discuss how pollution significantly affects various ecosystems. First, it's important to note that water pollution can lead to the destruction of aquatic habitats. Chemicals can disrupt reproductive cycles in fish, leading to a decline in species populations.
Moreover, air pollution is not just harmful to human health; it also poses risks to animal life. For instance, airborne toxins can affect birds' navigation skills and their ability to find food.
Additionally, we must consider the impact of plastic waste. Many marine animals mistake plastic for food, which can lead to starvation or internal injuries. This is a pressing problem as plastic pollution is increasing at an alarming rate.
In conclusion, all these factors illustrate that pollution is not merely an environmental issue but a significant threat to biodiversity.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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