Question

what is the biological impact of minimum catch sizes on a population of fish?
a. the population comes to be dominated by smaller, slower - growing individuals.
b. older, less productive adults are removed, improving the populations health.
c. it applies a selective pressure for larger, faster growing fish.
d. the fish in the population produce more and healthier eggs to compensate.

Explanation:

When minimum catch sizes are implemented, larger fish are targeted. This means that smaller fish (which may be slower - growing) are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, the genes of these smaller, slower - growing fish are passed on more frequently. Option b is incorrect because minimum catch sizes target larger fish (not necessarily older, less productive adults). Option c is incorrect as it is the opposite of what happens (selective pressure is for smaller, not larger fish). Option d has no biological basis in terms of the direct impact of minimum catch sizes on egg production.

Answer:

a. The population comes to be dominated by smaller, slower - growing individuals.