Question

Read these sentences from the text.

“As zooplankton rebounded, so did native mussels and clams. Scientists anticipate some fish species will rebound too as their food supply increases.”

What conclusion can you draw about zooplankton based on this evidence?

A. Zooplankton eat native mussels, clams, and some fish species.

B. Zooplankton are similar organisms to certain mussels and clams.

C. Zooplankton are an important food source for native mussels, clams, and fish.

D. Zooplankton are a more important food source for most species than phytoplankton.

Answer 1

The correct conclusion about zooplankton is that they are a significant food source for native mussels, clams, and fish, leading to rebounds in these species' populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The conclusion we can draw about zooplankton based on the provided evidence is that zooplankton are an important food source for native mussels, clams, and fish. As the zooplankton population increases, the organisms that feed on them, such as native mussels and clams, also increase.

This in turn indicates that fish species, which consume zooplankton or creatures that feed on zooplankton, are anticipated to rebound due to the availability of their food. Thus, the correct conclusion is option C: Zooplankton are an important food source for native mussels, clams, and fish.