McGraw-Hill Connect Biology 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions on Air Quality to Pass the Exam

Smog, a type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of smoke, fog, and chemical pollutants, can have several detrimental impacts on the environment. One significant ecological impact is damage to wildlife. When smog forms, it can contain harmful substances such as particulate matter and various toxic chemicals, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These contaminants can lead to respiratory issues, disorientation, and other health problems in wildlife. For instance, birds and other animals may experience impaired lung function or reduced reproductive success due to the toxic components present in smog.

In addition to direct harm to animal health, smog can also disrupt ecosystems by altering the availability of food sources, as animals may avoid smog-laden areas. This can lead to decreased populations of certain species and change the dynamics within ecological communities. Overall, the various harmful effects of smog on wildlife highlight why this ecological impact is considered significant and concerning.