Final answer:
Dead zones are areas in aquatic ecosystems where flora and fauna are depleted due to human activities. The collapse of Easter Island's population was caused by overuse of resources and other factors. Eutrophication is the process that depletes oxygen in aquatic systems, leading to the formation of dead zones.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dead zone is an area within a freshwater or marine ecosystem where large areas are depleted of their normal flora and fauna. These zones can be caused by eutrophication, oil spills, dumping of toxic chemicals, and other human activities. The number of dead zones has been increasing for several years, and they can have devastating effects on the ecosystem. One example is the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by fertilizer runoff from the Mississippi River basin.
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, experienced a collapse of its population due to overuse of resources and competition for those resources. The inhabitants were trapped on the island after deforestation occurred, and invasions, diseases, and competition further contributed to the culture's collapse. They did not move onto house boats or another island.
The process where oxygen is depleted by the growth of microorganisms due to excess nutrients in aquatic systems is called eutrophication. This process can result in the formation of dead zones in bodies of water. It is important to address the causes of eutrophication and dead zones to protect the health of aquatic ecosystems.