Which of the following factors can exacerbate the effects of oil exposure in marine life?

The factor that can significantly exacerbate the effects of oil exposure in marine life is the presence of pollutants like heavy metals. When marine organisms are exposed to both oil and heavy metals, there is a potential for additive or synergistic toxic effects. Heavy metals can compromise the organisms' immune systems, making them more vulnerable to the toxic effects of oil. They can also interfere with the metabolic processes of marine animals, leading to increased susceptibility to the harmful components of oil, which can ultimately result in higher mortality rates or long-term health issues.

In scenarios where there is a mix of pollutants, such as heavy metals along with oil, the overall toxicity can be more severe than the combined toxicity of each contaminant individually. This is due to the possibility of interactions at the biochemical level, which can enhance the impact on cellular structures and functions. This highlights the importance of understanding multiple contaminant exposure when assessing risks to marine ecosystems.