Bald Eagle is the national bird of the United States of America. These birds prefer habitats near sea coasts, rivers, large lakes, and other large bodies of open water with an abundance of fish. Bald Eagles were on the brink of extinction in the late 20th century because of the consumption of DDT contaminated fish. The consumption of polluted fish caused the Bald Eagles to lay thin shelled eggs that cracked before hatching. The primary reason for the near extinction of the Bald Eagles was

Options

A. air pollution
B. land pollution
C. waterpollution
D. noise pollution

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Subject**: The question revolves around the Bald Eagle, which is the national bird of the United States.

2. **Understand the Habitat**: Bald Eagles prefer habitats near large bodies of water such as sea coasts, rivers, and lakes where fish are abundant.

3. **Recognize the Threat**: In the late 20th century, Bald Eagles faced a significant threat due to the consumption of fish that were contaminated with DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane).

4. **Explain the Impact of DDT**: The consumption of DDT contaminated fish led to serious reproductive issues in Bald Eagles. Specifically, it caused the birds to lay eggs with thin shells.

5. **Consequences of Thin-Shelled Eggs**: These thin-shelled eggs were unable to withstand the pressure of incubation and would crack before hatching, leading to a decline in the Bald Eagle population.

6. **Conclusion**: The primary reason for the near extinction of Bald Eagles was the consumption of DDT contaminated fish, which resulted in reproductive failures due to thin-shelled eggs.

**Final Answer**: The primary reason for the near extinction of Bald Eagles was the consumption of DDT contaminated fish.

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