Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What effect would overfishing most likely have on a population of fish in a lake?
A
It would increase the population size by reducing competition for resources.
B
It would decrease the population size due to increased removal of individuals.
C
It would have no effect on the population size.
D
It would cause the population to become more genetically diverse.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of overfishing: Overfishing refers to the excessive removal of fish from a population, often at a rate faster than the population can replenish itself through reproduction.
Analyze the impact of overfishing on population size: Removing individuals from a population reduces the number of fish available, which directly decreases the population size.
Consider the effect on genetic diversity: Overfishing can reduce genetic diversity because fewer individuals remain to contribute their unique genetic material to future generations.
Evaluate the claim about competition for resources: While reducing population size might lower competition for resources, this does not lead to an increase in population size. Instead, the population may struggle to recover due to fewer individuals available for reproduction.
Conclude the most likely effect: Overfishing would decrease the population size due to the increased removal of individuals, as the population cannot replenish itself quickly enough to counteract the loss.