Question

question 7 of 27
diet and microplastic exposure
a: prey ingestion rate
(cell number)
b: prey ingestion rate
(mass)
c: size class of prey taken
select the statement that describes the result obtained in graph c. in other words, explain what differences are seen in
the size of algal cells taken by the control versus those taken by the group exposed to microplastics.
copepods that were exposed to microplastics took a wider variety of prey sizes compared with copepods that were
in the control group.
compared with copepods in the control group, copepods that were exposed to microplastics took significantly more
small prey and significantly less large prey.
copepods that were exposed to microplastics took about the same overall quantity of algae as copepods that were
in the control group.
compared with copepods that were exposed to microplastics, copepods in the control group took significantly more
small prey and significantly less large prey.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: Graph C does not show a wider variety in prey sizes for microplastic - exposed copepods.
• Option 2: Looking at the bars in Graph C, for the size class \(11.6 - 12.6\) (small prey), the microplastic - exposed group (green bar) has a higher value than the control (red bar). For larger size classes like \(13.8 - 14.8\) (where the control has a higher bar) and \(16.0 - 17.0\) (where the control has a higher bar), this option is correct.
• Option 3: Graph C is about size class of prey, not overall quantity of algae.
• Option 4: The comparison in the option is reversed. The microplastic - exposed copepods take more small prey.

Answer:

Compared with copepods in the control group, copepods that were exposed to microplastics took significantly more small prey and significantly less large prey.