Question
Lionfish multiplied in the Atlantic Ocean without predators after being introduced in 1985. They feed on small fish and crustaceans, affecting prey populations. This graph shows the predicted effect of a lionfish control program, where people harvest lionfish to remove them.
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Which argument BEST predicts the impact of a lionfish control program on the stability of the ocean ecosystem?
A.
It would increase the population of lionfish, resulting in a decrease of small fish and crustaceans. The population of lionfish would eventually be reduced to zero resulting in ecosystem stability.
B.
It would increase the population of lionfish, resulting in a decrease of small fish and crustaceans. The populations of lionfish and their prey will vary less over time resulting in ecosystem stability.
C.
It would decrease the population of lionfish so that more small fish and crustaceans live. The populations of lionfish and their prey will have a characteristic pattern resulting in ecosystem stability unless the program ends.
D.
It would decrease the population of lionfish so that more small fish and crustaceans live. The populations of lionfish and their prey will eventually become equal resulting in ecosystem stability and the program can end.
image
Which argument BEST predicts the impact of a lionfish control program on the stability of the ocean ecosystem?
A.
It would increase the population of lionfish, resulting in a decrease of small fish and crustaceans. The population of lionfish would eventually be reduced to zero resulting in ecosystem stability.
B.
It would increase the population of lionfish, resulting in a decrease of small fish and crustaceans. The populations of lionfish and their prey will vary less over time resulting in ecosystem stability.
C.
It would decrease the population of lionfish so that more small fish and crustaceans live. The populations of lionfish and their prey will have a characteristic pattern resulting in ecosystem stability unless the program ends.
D.
It would decrease the population of lionfish so that more small fish and crustaceans live. The populations of lionfish and their prey will eventually become equal resulting in ecosystem stability and the program can end.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best argument that predicts the impact of a lionfish control program on the stability of the ocean ecosystem is:
**C. It would decrease the population of lionfish so that more small fish and crustaceans live. The populations of lionfish and their prey will have a characteristic pattern resulting in ecosystem stability unless the program ends.**
This option accurately reflects the idea that reducing the population of an invasive species like lionfish can allow for the resurgence of their prey populations, contributing to a more balanced and stable ecosystem. It also acknowledges that stability may require ongoing management efforts.
**C. It would decrease the population of lionfish so that more small fish and crustaceans live. The populations of lionfish and their prey will have a characteristic pattern resulting in ecosystem stability unless the program ends.**
This option accurately reflects the idea that reducing the population of an invasive species like lionfish can allow for the resurgence of their prey populations, contributing to a more balanced and stable ecosystem. It also acknowledges that stability may require ongoing management efforts.