English ACT Aspire Practice Test

What environmental issue affected osprey populations decades ago?

1. Climate change

2. Habitat destruction

3. Pollution from plastics

4. The widespread use of DDT and other pesticides

The correct answer is: The widespread use of DDT and other pesticides

The widespread use of DDT and other pesticides significantly impacted osprey populations several decades ago due to their toxic effects on the birds and their environment. DDT, specifically, is a synthetic pesticide that was extensively used in agriculture and for mosquito control throughout the mid-20th century. It disrupts the reproductive system of birds, leading to eggs with thin shells that often broke before the chicks could hatch. As a result, the reproductive success of osprey and other raptors dramatically declined, contributing to their population decreases. While climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution from plastics are pressing concerns today, they either emerged later as significant issues or affect species in different ways. The historical context of pesticide use highlights a specific period when chemical pollutants directly threatened the survival of osprey populations, making this answer particularly relevant in discussions about wildlife conservation and environmental history.