Question
D) It only affects the primary producers 23. In a marine ecosystem, what might happen if a key predator such as a shark is removed? A) The population of smaller predatory fish might increase, leading to a decrease in herbivorous fish B The population of herbivorous fish might increase, leading to an overgrowth of algae C) The population of algae might decrease leading to clearer water D) The ecosystem would remain unchanged
Solution
4.1
(214 Votes)
Wilfred
Professional ยท Tutor for 6 years
Answer
The answer is **A) The population of smaller predatory fish might increase, leading to a decrease in herbivorous fish.**Here's why:* **Sharks are apex predators.** They sit at the top of the food chain, controlling populations of fish below them.* **Removal of the shark.** With the shark gone, the populations of fish the shark normally preys upon (smaller predatory fish) are no longer controlled.* **Increased competition and predation.** These smaller predatory fish populations will likely increase and compete more with each other. They will also increase predation on the herbivorous fish they eat.* **Decreased herbivorous fish.** The increased predation pressure from the more numerous smaller predatory fish will lead to a decline in the herbivorous fish population.The other options are incorrect:* **B:** While an increase in herbivorous fish *could* lead to overgrowth of algae, the prior link in the chain (increased smaller predators) makes this less likely.* **C:** A decrease in algae would likely happen if herbivorous fish *increased*, but as explained above, their population is likely to *decrease*.* **D:** Removing a key predator will always have a significant impact on the ecosystem.