How Does Pollution Affect Predator and Prey Populations?

Pollution can have both direct and indirect effects on predator and prey populations. Toxins and contaminants in water, air, and soil can reduce prey populations by causing illness, reproductive failure, or death. Predators, in turn, may suffer from a reduced food supply. Conversely, predators exposed to pollutants may experience decreased hunting efficiency or increased mortality, allowing prey populations to grow unchecked.