Question

based on the effect of habitat fragmentation on menhaden population and the chesapeake bay waterbird food web. which statement best describes the likely outcome if habitat fragmentation increases?
invertebrate populations will remain unchanged?
sav populations will decrease because menhaden eat sav
waterbird populations will increase due to less competition
predatory fish populations may decrease due to reduced food availability

Explanation:

Habitat fragmentation can disrupt food webs. If habitat fragmentation increases, it can lead to a reduction in the availability of food sources. Predatory fish rely on certain food sources (like menhaden in this context). A decrease in food availability would likely lead to a decrease in predatory fish populations. Invertebrate populations are likely to be affected (not remain unchanged) as the food web is disrupted. Menhaden do not eat SAV (submerged aquatic vegetation), so that option is incorrect. Waterbird populations are more likely to be negatively affected (not increase) due to habitat fragmentation rather than having less competition as the overall ecosystem balance is disrupted.

Answer:

Predatory fish populations may decrease due to reduced food availability.