A small fish called the anchovy can be found in the cold ocean waters off the coast of Peru. The anchovy population in Peru is one of the most important fish populations in the world. The anchovy is critical to the health of the ocean ecosystem off the coast of Peru. Changes to the anchovy population have a major impact on other organisms in the ecosystem. A food web for that ecosystem is shown. This food web shows the relationships among organisms, including anchovies, in the ecosystem. It also shows the movement of energy through the ecosystem. A basic energy pyramid is shown as well.

Question

Question 1
Which statement is most correct about the collapse of the ocean food web that may be caused by the loss of an organism in the ecosystem?(1 point)
Responses

The loss of the phytoplankton would mean that the anchovy would not have phytoplankton as a direct foodsource.
The loss of the phytoplankton would mean that the anchovy would not have phytoplankton as a direct foodsource.

The loss of the zooplankton would mean that there would not be a direct food source for the phytoplankton.
The loss of the zooplankton would mean that there would not be a direct food source for the phytoplankton.

The loss of the anchovies would mean that larger fish would not have enough food to thrive in that region.
The loss of the anchovies would mean that larger fish would not have enough food to thrive in that region.

The loss of the large fish would mean that there would not be a need for the anchovies as a food source.
The loss of the large fish would mean that there would not be a need for the anchovies as a food source.
Question 2
According to the food web, in which trophic level of the energy pyramid does the anchovy belong?(1 point)
Responses

2: Primary Consumer
2: Primary Consumer

4: Tertiary Consumer
4: Tertiary Consumer

3: Secondary Consumer
3: Secondary Consumer

1: Producer

Answer 1

Question 1: The most correct statement about the collapse of the ocean food web caused by the loss of an organism is:

The loss of the anchovies would mean that larger fish would not have enough food to thrive in that region.

This statement captures the significant role that anchovies play as a food source for larger fish in the ecosystem. The loss of anchovies would have a cascading effect on the food web, impacting larger predators.

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Question 2: According to the food web, the anchovy belongs to:

2: Primary Consumer

Anchovies feed on phytoplankton (which are producers) and are therefore classified as primary consumers in the energy pyramid.