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

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

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 increased.

Answer 1

The correct response to the question regarding the effect of the invasive mussels on the population of native mussels is:

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

Interspecific competition refers to competition between different species, while intraspecific competition refers to competition within the same species. Since the context describes an invasive species impacting the native species, interspecific competition is the relevant term here.