Sharks feed on a wide variety of prey and have low mortality rates. It is important that an ecosystem containing sharks contain a high degree of biodiversity. If an ecosystem containing sharks does not contain a high degree of biodiversity, the sharks will consume

Question

A.
the immature members of key species, and the ecosystem will no longer be stable.

B.
many members of a key species, and the ecosystem will no longer be stable.

C.
the adult members of key species, and the ecosystem will remain stable.

D.
a few members of a key species, and the ecosystem will remain stable.

Answer 1

The best answer is:

B. many members of a key species, and the ecosystem will no longer be stable.

This option highlights the risk that in a low biodiversity ecosystem, sharks may overconsume a key species, leading to population declines or extinctions which disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. In contrast, options A, C, and D do not accurately reflect the implications of low biodiversity on ecosystem stability in relation to shark feeding behavior.