Question

What happens if liquid oil contaminates a bird’s plumage?

(a) Birds bone become week

(b) Birds lost its memory

(c) Birds digestive system becomes weak

(d) Birds lost its water-repellent properties

The question was asked at a job interview.

Origin of the question is Effects and Control Measures of Marine Pollution in division Environmental Pollution of Energy Management

Answer 1

Correct answer is (d) Birds lost its water-repellent properties

To explain I would say: If liquid oil contaminates a bird’s plumage, its water-repellant properties are lost. Water then penetrates the plumage and displaces the air trapped between the feathers and skin. With this, the plumage becomes water-logged and the birds may sink and drown.