Which of the following consequences was a result of the Exxon Valdez environmental disaster?

Prepare for the APES Aquatic Pollution Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get detailed hints and explanations for each question to ace your exam!

The answer highlighting over 100,000 animal deaths as a consequence of the Exxon Valdez environmental disaster is accurate because the oil spill, which occurred in 1989 in Prince William Sound, Alaska, had devastating effects on the local wildlife. The spill released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean, coating vast areas of the shoreline and sea. This led to extensive mortality among various wildlife species, including birds, sea otters, harbor seals, and orcas, due to direct exposure to the toxic oil, loss of habitat, and a decline in food sources.

The impact on marine life was profound, with long-term ecological consequences that continue to be studied and felt even decades later. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to oil spills and has influenced regulations and response strategies to prevent similar disasters. While habitat restoration projects were initiated in the aftermath, the immediate biological toll was catastrophic, making the loss of animal life one of the most significant and tragic outcomes of the spill.

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