Question

Approximately 3.3 million sharks end up as bycatch each year, threatening their populations.

which of the following is a result of the decline of their populations?

O a balance among the populations of competitors in the ecosystem.
O maintained biodiversity
O a decline in the sea turtle populations
O an unstable ecological community

Answer 1

The decline of shark populations leads to an unstable ecological community and a decrease in marine biodiversity, which can have complex and unpredictable effects on the structure and functioning of ocean ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The decline of shark populations as a result of bycatch in commercial fishing activities leads to an unstable ecological community. As these top predators are over-harvested, there is a disruption in the balance of ecosystems, affecting other species in complex ways. A significant reduction in shark populations can lead to an increase in the populations of their prey, potentially causing a domino effect that destabilizes the marine food web.

Moreover, the loss of sharks contributes to a decrease in marine biodiversity, as these apex predators play a critical role in maintaining the health and structure of ocean ecosystems. Without them, there is a rise in the abundance of smaller fish and invertebrates, which can alter the composition and functioning of these environments. As such, the claim that a decline in shark populations could lead to a decline in sea turtle populations does not reflect the usual ecological dynamics since sharks and sea turtles may often compete for similar resources. Reduced predation by sharks may actually relieve some predatory pressure on sea turtles.