Question

Which of the following pieces of additional data would help further investigate the relationship between bears, salmon, and influx of nitrogen into the local environment?

(A) The experimenters should remove the remains of salmon carcasses immediately after the salmon are eaten by the bears and determine the nitrogen content of the carcasses.
(B) The experimenters should increase the number of bears in the area and measure the amount of nitrogen available for uptake by plants.
(C) The experimenters should set up a net to catch salmon before they enter the area and then measure nitrogen influx.
(D) The experimenters should clear-cut the trees from the area and determine how much nitrogen remains in the streams.

Answer 1

The relationship between bears, salmon, and influx of nitrogen into the local environment can be investigated with the help of following statement:

(A) The experimenters should remove the remains of salmon carcasses immediately after the salmon are eaten by the bears and determine the nitrogen content of the carcasses.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the nitrogen content of the carcasses, the experimenters should remove the remains of salmon carcasses immediately after the salmon are consumed by the bears. The nitrogen are released to the environment from the dead animals.

The presence of black bears and salmon is related with increase in nitrogen influx. The interaction between bears and salmon influences the nitrogen dynamics in the environment. The nitrogen dynamics in the environment can be measured by measuring the carbon content of the carcasses.