Question

The soil pollutants that affect the food chain and food web by killing micro organisms and plants are

• A. Nitrogen oxides
• B. Pathogens
• C. Chemical fertilizers
• D. Pesticides

Answer 1

The correct option is D Pesticides

Pesticides can affect individual plants and animals in two ways.

First, they may cause injury or death after the plant or animal is exposed to the pesticide directly. This might happen if the pesticide drifts onto the plant or animal, the animal breathes in the pesticide, or if the animal drinks or eats something that is contaminated. Plant roots may pick up pesticides in the soil. Any injuries resulting from these exposures are called direct effects.

The second way pesticides may cause harm is by changing or killing something the plant or animal needs. For example, pesticides can affect an animal's food supply by killing certain plants or insects. The loss of plant cover may also remove the animal's shelter. Plants could be affected if their pollinators or seed-dispersers are killed. These are indirect effects.