Question

overfishing is a global problem. humans have harvested many fish species, almost to the point of extinction. many of the fish targeted by humans are at the top of the food chain. how does overfishing of very large fish cause a decrease in the numbers of small fish?
a. the small fish live in a mutualistic relationship with the large fish.
b. the small fish are more likely to die from diseases and parasites.
c. the small fish must compete with each other for fewer food sources.
d. the small fish have a greater number of medium - sized predators.

Explanation:

Overfishing of large fish (top - level predators) removes the control these predators have on medium - sized predators. Without large fish preying on medium - sized predators, the number of medium - sized predators increases. Small fish then face more predation from these increased medium - sized predators, leading to a decrease in small fish numbers.

Answer:

D. The small fish have a greater number of medium - sized predators.