Question

The overgrowth of algae poses a major problem for coral reefs. Intensive fishing is one factor that contributes to algae overgrowth because it does which of the following?

A. Increases the competition between different algae species
B. Reduces the number of organisms that feed on algae
C. Allows more sunlight to be available to algae
D. Inhibits the spread of pathogens in algae colonies

Answer 1

Intensive fishing contributes to algae overgrowth by reducing the number of organisms that feed on algae, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

Intensive fishing contributes to algae overgrowth because it reduces the number of organisms that feed on algae. Overfishing of popular fish species allows the predator species that eat corals to go unchecked, resulting in an imbalance in the ecosystem. This imbalance leads to the overgrowth of algae, which poses a major problem for coral reefs.