Question

1 marine mammals maintain body temperature in cold climates in different ways. otters maintain body temperature by trapping air pockets in their thick fur which insulates them from the cold. harbor seals retain their heat with a thick layer of fat under the skin. during an oil spill in a cold climate, sea otters have been found to be less likely to survive than harbor seals. which best explains why sea otters are less likely than harbor seals to maintain homeostasis after an oil spill?
a the layer of oil on sea otters encourages greater heat loss.
b the layer of oil on sea otters interferes with reproductive abilities.
c oil penetrates the air pockets in sea otters fur which they use for insulation and temperature regulation.
d oil penetrates the air pockets in sea otters fur which interferes with their ability to be buoyant and stay above the line.

Explanation:

Sea otters rely on air - pockets in their fur for insulation. Oil from a spill can penetrate these air - pockets, disrupting their temperature regulation ability, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis in cold climates.

Answer:

C. Oil penetrates the air pockets in sea otters' fur which they use for insulation and temperature regulation.