Chemicals extracted from certain sponges have been used in the treatment of cancer patients. Which of the following could be considered a negative impact on the ocean environment from this type of biotechnology?

In the process of extracting the chemicals needed for the medicine, sponges will release toxins which harm the environment.

Humans may kill too many sponges, impacting the ocean environment in order to extract more of the chemicals.

Sponges provide habitats for other marine organisms, so killing them could harm the environment.

Sponges regenerate, so extracting these chemicals could cause the sponges to overpopulate and have a negative impact on the marine environment.

Question

Marin Koch

Biology

6 January, 13:09

Chemicals extracted from certain sponges have been used in the treatment of cancer patients. Which of the following could be considered a negative impact on the ocean environment from this type of biotechnology?

In the process of extracting the chemicals needed for the medicine, sponges will release toxins which harm the environment.

Humans may kill too many sponges, impacting the ocean environment in order to extract more of the chemicals.

Sponges provide habitats for other marine organisms, so killing them could harm the environment.

Sponges regenerate, so extracting these chemicals could cause the sponges to overpopulate and have a negative impact on the marine environment.

+1

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Brycen Cochran · Answer 1

B. Humans may kill too many sponges, impacting the ocean environment in order to extract more of the chemicals.

Explanation:

A and D are incorrect so it comes down to B and C. B is more correct than C because it is more detailed and has a better explanation while C is too vague. I also took the test and this came out as correct.

Ronald Booth · Answer 2

All responses are correct

Explanation:

1 - This process of chemical extraction produces release of toxins that are toxic to other life forms

2 - Sponges are critical organisms in the nutrient cycles

3 - Sponges provide habitat for other species (fish, crustaceans, etc)

4 - Sponges have the ability to regenerate when they are separated into pieces