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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes what happened to the otter population between 1750 and 1850?
A
The otter population migrated to a different continent.
B
The otter population remained stable with little change during this period.
C
The otter population increased rapidly due to conservation efforts.
D
The otter population declined significantly due to overhunting and habitat loss.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The question is asking about the otter population between 1750 and 1850, and the correct answer is provided: 'The otter population declined significantly due to overhunting and habitat loss.' This indicates a historical ecological issue.
Step 2: Recognize the factors contributing to the decline. Overhunting refers to excessive hunting of otters for their fur or other uses, while habitat loss refers to the destruction or alteration of the environments where otters live, such as wetlands and coastal areas.
Step 3: Consider the historical context. During this time period, human activities such as fur trade and industrialization were prominent, leading to increased hunting and environmental changes that negatively impacted wildlife populations, including otters.
Step 4: Relate this to ecological principles. Overhunting reduces population size directly by removing individuals, while habitat loss reduces the availability of resources such as food and shelter, further contributing to population decline.
Step 5: Summarize the key takeaway. The otter population declined significantly between 1750 and 1850 due to the combined effects of overhunting and habitat loss, illustrating the impact of human activities on wildlife populations.