How does pollution affect biodiversity?

Pollution significantly influences biodiversity by harming or eliminating species and degrading their habitats. Contaminants like heavy metals, plastics, and chemicals can directly affect organisms, causing health issues or even death. These pollutants can disrupt reproductive processes, leading to declines in population numbers. Furthermore, habitat degradation occurs when pollutants alter ecosystems, making them unsuitable for certain species. For instance, water pollutants can lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in water bodies and harm aquatic life.

While some might argue that pollution could create new habitats by altering landscapes, the overall consequence tends to be detrimental rather than beneficial. Habitats formed in such circumstances are often of poorer quality and cannot support the same diversity of life as healthy ecosystems. The assertion that pollution encourages more diverse species populations is misleading, as the adverse effects often lead to reduced diversity and the displacement of sensitive species. Therefore, the correct understanding reflects pollution's harmful impact on both species and their environments, ultimately threatening biodiversity.