Living Environment Regents Practice Test

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems caused by industrialization, particularly in the context of nuclear power plants, can result in the destruction of small aquatic life. The operation of these plants can lead to the release of harmful substances into nearby water bodies, such as heavy metals and radioactive materials. These pollutants can have toxic effects on the small organisms that are crucial for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, such as zooplankton and smaller fish species.

When small aquatic life is impacted, it can disrupt the food chain and affect larger species that rely on them as a food source, leading to a cascading effect throughout the ecosystem. Additionally, the destruction of these organisms can decrease biodiversity and compromise the resilience of aquatic habitats, making them more vulnerable to environmental stresses.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the specific impact illustrated by industrialization and nuclear power plants on aquatic ecosystems. Though contamination of drinking water supplies can occur due to industrial activities, it is not the primary focus of this context. Increased oxygen levels in water typically do not result directly from the operations of nuclear power plants and can indicate healthy aquatic environments. The reduction of freshwater sources is a broader issue associated with various factors related to industrialization but does not specifically relate to the operations of nuclear facilities