Question

Grutter tested the effect of cleaner fish on species diversity in the Great Barrier Reef by?

1) adding cleaner fish to reefs that did not have them.
2) experimentally removing cleaner fish from certain reefs.
3) manipulating fish such that they would not associate with cleaner fish.
4) manipulating fish such that they would eat cleaner fish.

Answer 1

The student's question is about biological experiments that could test the impact of cleaner fish on species diversity in marine ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef. Option 1 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the student's question pertains to the study of ecosystem dynamics and species interactions, specifically the role of cleaner fish in maintaining species diversity in the Great Barrier Reef.

One method of testing the effect of cleaner fish on species diversity could involve experimentally removing cleaner fish from certain reefs to observe the changes in ecosystem structure and species interactions.

Another method might be to add cleaner fish to reefs that lacked them and study the resulting impact on biodiversity and ecological balance. Manipulating fish behavior to either prevent association with cleaner fish or increase predation on cleaner fish are also hypothetical approaches that could be used to investigate these ecological dynamics.

Overall, the purpose of such experiments would be to understand the protection and promotion of biodiversity through the roles of various species, including cleaner fish, within the delicate marine ecosystems found in places like the Great Barrier Reef.