Propose ways that plastic pollution might decrease the biodiversity of a marine ecosystem.

1. Habitat Disruption: Plastic pollution can physically alter the habitats of marine organisms. Large pieces of plastic waste can cover coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other important habitats, making them uninhabitable for many species.

2. Ingestion and Entanglement: Marine animals, including birds, fish, turtles, and mammals, can mistake plastic debris for food, leading to internal blockages, starvation, and death. Animals can also become entangled in plastic waste, causing injury or death.

3. Introduction of Invasive Species: Plastic debris can act as a raft, carrying invasive species to new areas. These invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

4. Chemical Pollution: Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into the water, including endocrine disruptors which can affect the reproduction and survival of marine species.

5. Food Chain Disruption: Microplastics, tiny pieces of broken down plastic, can be ingested by plankton, the base of the marine food chain. These microplastics can then make their way up the food chain, affecting a wide range of species.

6. Decrease in Population: The death of marine animals due to plastic pollution can lead to a decrease in population of certain species, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem and leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

By addressing plastic pollution, we can help to preserve the biodiversity of marine ecosystems.