Freshwater native mussels are a keystone species. They keep the harmful bacteria and algae populations from exploding in addition to improving water quality through filtering. A different species of mussels has invaded this river ecosystem. This invasive species uses many of the same resources as the native mussels. Reviewing the graph above, how has the presence of the invasive mussels affected the population of native mussels? (Read the answer options very carefully, as some of them look very similar.)

Question

(1 point)
Responses

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.
Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.

Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.
Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.

Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.
Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.

Interspecific competition refers to competition between different species, in this case, between the native mussels and the invasive species. The presence of the invasive mussels, which compete for the same resources, would lead to a decrease in the population of native mussels.