Question

the graph shows the average kelp canopy area in a region off the coast of northern california from 1985 to 2019. average kelp canopy area 1985 - 2019 year starting in 2013, sea star wasting disease, an infectious disease, was observed in a type of sea star called sunflower stars. sea star wasting disease causes abnormally twisted arms, white lesions, body disintegration, and death in sea stars. sunflower stars are a major predator of sea urchins. how did the outbreak of sea star wasting disease impact the average kelp canopy area? construct a hypothesis that is supported by the data and your knowledge of kelp forests. in the years that followed the emergence of sea star wasting disease in sunflower stars, the average kelp canopy area was relatively. this may have occurred because the disease caused the population of sunflower stars to. this meant that sea urchins had predators, so the sea urchin population and grazed on kelp.

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the predator - prey relationship

Sunflower stars are predators of sea urchins. Sea urchins graze on kelp.

Step2: Analyze the impact of disease on sunflower stars

The sea - star wasting disease caused the sunflower star population to decline.

Step3: Determine the impact on sea urchins

With fewer sunflower stars (predators), the sea urchin population increased.

Step4: Analyze the impact on kelp canopy

More sea urchins grazing on kelp led to a decrease in the average kelp canopy area.

Answer:

In the years that followed the emergence of sea star wasting disease in sunflower stars, the average kelp canopy area was relatively low. This may have occurred because the disease caused the population of sunflower stars to decrease. This meant that sea urchins had fewer predators, so the sea urchin population increased and grazed on more kelp.