How do most oil spills affect the animals around the spill area and their habitats?
1. The oil can ruin the feathers/fur of an animal (think of the pictures of the oiled bird or seal). This can damage their protection against the cold weather and water, and they can suffer from hypothermia. 2. The chemicals in the oil are toxic to marine life. Fish and shellfish filter water through their systems, and if the water is contaminated they cannot process the toxins and will die. 3. The animals breathe in the chemicals from the oil spill, and ingest (or lick/eat) the chemicals when they try to clean themselves off (like a dog or cat giving themselves a bath). This brings the toxic chemicals from the oil into their bodies.
