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Question 16(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

(05.03 MC)

Some "cleaner fish" consume parasites and mucus from the skin of larger fish. What would be a reasonable argument for why this could be a mutualism rather than a commensal relationship?

The cleaner fish prefer to consume mucus from the larger fish rather than parasites.
The cleaner fish reduce the number of parasites on the larger fish.
The larger fish are healthier when the cleaner fish are not present.
The larger fish have no difference in parasite load when the cleaner fish are present.
Question 17(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
(05.01 LC)

Which of the following is a biotic factor that is having a negative impact on marine populations?

Attraction to artificial lighting
Predation by invasive species
The presence of marine debris
The process of shoreline erosion
Question 18(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
(05.01 MC)

Manatees are a protected species in Florida. Causes of death (mortality) are studied to determine the greatest threats to their populations and to help develop protection plans. The table shows the percent of mortality due to various causes over a ten year period. Based on this data, what would be the two most effective regulations to introduce to protect both manatee adults and calves this region?

Manatee Mortality Rates by Cause
Cause Adult Mean % of Mortality Calf Mean % of Mortality
Watercraft 0.62 0.16
Marine debris 0.01 0.01
Cold stress 0.10 0.49
Red tide 0.05 0.03

© 2016 USGS.gov

The introduction of regulations to reduce carbon emission and to enforce no wake zones
The introduction of regulations to reduce runoff and to enforce no wake zones
The enforcement of no wake zones and protection of warmer water areas
The development of marine protected areas and regulations to reduce runoff

1 answer

Here are the answers to your questions:

Question 16: The best argument for why the relationship between cleaner fish and larger fish could be a mutualism rather than a commensal relationship is:

  • The cleaner fish reduce the number of parasites on the larger fish.
    This illustrates a mutual benefit: the cleaner fish get food while the larger fish benefit from having fewer parasites.

Question 17: The biotic factor that is having a negative impact on marine populations is:

  • Predation by invasive species.
    Invasive species can disrupt the local ecosystem and have detrimental effects on native populations.

Question 18: Based on the mortality rates provided, the two most effective regulations to introduce to protect both manatee adults and calves would be:

  • The enforcement of no wake zones and protection of warmer water areas.
    No wake zones can help reduce watercraft-related mortality, which is significant for adults, while protecting warmer water areas can help manage cold stress, particularly impacting calves.

Feel free to ask if you need further clarification on any of the answers!