Biology Regents Practice Exam

The reduction of male fertility due to exposure to environmental toxins primarily involves the testes, which are the organs responsible for sperm production and overall male reproductive health. Toxins can adversely affect the structure and function of the testes, leading to reduced sperm count, motility, and quality. Additionally, testosterone, the principal male sex hormone produced in the testes, plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and the production of sperm. Environmental toxins may disrupt hormone levels, including testosterone, which can further contribute to fertility issues. In contrast, the other options incorrectly reference organs and hormones that are not primarily involved in male reproduction. For example, the ovaries and estrogens are associated with female reproductive biology, and progesterone is also primarily a female hormone. Therefore, focusing on the testes and testosterone accurately reflects how male fertility might be compromised by environmental factors.