What is the author’s conclusion about plastic waste in marine environments?

• A. Plastic waste is harmless to marine life.
• B. Microplastics pose potential risks up the food chain and warrant attention.
• C. Only large plastic items matter.
• D. The issue is exaggerated by media.

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested is how the author views plastic waste in the oceans, specifically focusing on microplastics and their potential effects. The author highlights microplastics as a concern because these tiny particles can be ingested by a wide range of marine life, persist in the environment, and potentially move up the food chain, raising risks to higher predators and even humans who rely on seafood. Saying these microplastics warrant attention signals a call for caution, study, and policy action rather than dismissing the issue or treating it as exaggerated. In other words, the emphasis is on the subtle, ongoing dangers of small plastic fragments, not on large debris, and not on media sensationalism.