Answer:
The scenario which would most likely result in the extinction of one or more species is A predatory fish is introduced into a lake, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the populations of smaller fish.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the four given scenario, one of the scenario would most likely result in the extinction of one or more species that is "A predatory fish is introduced into a lake, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the populations of smaller fish." The rest three does not implies about the extinction of the species.
- A pond's water temperature decreases significantly, and the members of the population of the pond adjust to the transition. In this argument, depending on climatic and seasonal shifts, and on how a pond is used, the composition of pond water changes continuously. Good management aims at managing the composition in order to create the best conditions for the fish. In this case, the pond population will then alter their adaptations rather than disappear or become extinct.
- The conditions in the desert are abnormally dry for one season, resulting in the deaths of a few members of a population of snakes. For only one season, which is temporary, the abnormal condition persists in this case, resulting in the deaths of only certain snakes. Hence, because the dry state is temporary, the extinction of the snakes does not occur.
- A predatory fish is introduced into a lake, resulting in a drastic decline in smaller fish populations. This argument is right about the extinction of species as the predator fish will eventually consume all the small fishes and the small fish will slowly and gradually disappear and become extinct day by day.
- In a forest, a new plant species starts developing, resulting in a new food supply for many populations of animals. In this case, there will be no loss or extinction of organisms when new species are introduced, and it will ultimately result in the creation of new food sources and species.
Hence, the answer is - A predatory fish is introduced into a lake, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the populations of smaller fish.