Question

The data shows that recently the shark population has increased. How will the increase in the shark population affect the other populations? Be sure to explain whether the sea otter population, the sea star population, and the clam population will change, and why

Answer 1

An increase in the shark population can decrease the populations of their prey, like sea otters and sea stars, possibly leading to an increase in their prey, such as clams. However, the impact is complex and depends on the specifics of the ecosystem, including factors like overfishing and environmental changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The recent increase in the shark population is likely to have a cascading effect on other marine populations. As apex predators, sharks control the populations of other marine species through predation which maintains the health and balance of the ecosystem. With more sharks, the populations of their prey, like sea otters and sea stars, may decrease due to increased predation. This, in turn, could lead to an increase in the populations of sea otters' and sea stars' own prey, such as clams, if sea otters and sea stars are less numerous to hunt them.

However, the overall impact on the sea otter population, sea star population, and clam population depends on the complexity of the ecosystem and the specific feeding relationships. For instance, if sea otters are heavily preyed upon by sharks, their decreased numbers could lead to an unchecked growth in sea urchin populations, which sea otters usually keep in balance. Sea urchins feed on kelp and could decimate kelp forests, negatively impacting many species dependent on this habitat. Conversely, a reduced sea star population could allow for the bivalve populations, including clams, to increase, potentially leading to overgrazing on their food resources.

It's important to note that the dynamics of marine ecosystems are highly complex and influenced by multiple factors including human activities such as overfishing and environmental changes. For example, commercial fishing activities disproportionately targeting large predatory fish such as sharks effect a process known as 'fishing down the marine food web' which can destabilize marine ecosystems. Therefore, changes in shark populations should be monitored and managed carefully to ensure the health of the overall marine ecosystem.

Answer 2

There is no data to show but there would definitely be a decrease in the population of the other organisms in lower trophic level (sea otter).

Step-by-step explanation:

This question involves an aquatic food chain involving organisms like clams, sea stars, sea otters, and sharks. In this question, the shark appears to occupy the highest trophic level i.e. tertiary consumer. Ideally, as the food chain progresses from the lowest to highest trophic level, the population of each organism decreases.

However, an increase in the population of sharks will mean more mouths to feed on other consumers. Hence, causing a decrease in the population of other organisms in lower trophic level especially the organism that occupies the secondary consumer trophic level.