Question

A marine ecosystem off the California coast consists of leatherback turtles that feed on jellyfish, and killer whales that prey on the leatherback turtles. Habitat loss and fishing have been identified as the main reasons for the reduced numbers of leatherback turtles, who are on the verge of being declared an endangered species.

What would be the first effect on the ecosystem if habitat loss and fishing continue unchecked?
Responses
A A spurt in the population of jellyfishA spurt in the population of jellyfish
B A spurt in the population of killer whalesA spurt in the population of killer whales
C A change in the feeding habits of jellyfishA change in the feeding habits of jellyfish
D A migration of jelly fish from the ecosystem

Answer 1

A. Fewer leatherback turtles mean less predation on jellyfish, so jellyfish numbers would rise first (killer whale impacts would follow later from reduced prey).