Question

practice it!
analyze the aquatic food chain and select the statement that best predicts the effect on a population if the fish larvae population decreased.
the plankton population would increase.
the predator shark population would increase.
the small fish population would increase.
the zooplankton population would decrease.
the zooplankton population would increase.

Explanation:

In an aquatic food chain, fish larvae often eat zooplankton. If fish larvae population decreases, there is less predation on zooplankton. So, zooplankton population would increase. Plankton (assuming phytoplankton) - if fish larvae eat zooplankton which eat phytoplankton, decrease in fish larvae (so more zooplankton) would decrease phytoplankton (but this option is not about phytoplankton). Predator shark population would likely decrease as their prey (fish larvae - if part of their diet) is less. Small fish population - no direct indication of relationship. Zooplankton population increase is due to reduced predation.

Answer:

The zooplankton population would increase.