Question

a scientist is studying a population of sharks in the pacific ocean. the scientist reports that compared to a few years ago, the sharks are spending less time in equatorial waters and more time in waters near california and alaska.

which statement describes the type of change that is occurring to the shark population?

a. their geographic range is changing.

b. their population density is changing.

c. their population distribution is changing.

d. their carrying capacity is changing.

Explanation:

• Option A: Geographic range refers to the total area a species occupies. Here, the sharks are not changing their overall range (still in the Pacific) but where they spend time within it, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Population density is about number of individuals per unit area. The problem doesn't mention population size or area in terms of density, so B is incorrect.
• Option C: Population distribution is how individuals are spread out within their range. The sharks are spending less time in equatorial waters and more in California/Alaska waters, so their distribution (where they are located within their range) is changing. This fits.
• Option D: Carrying capacity is the maximum population an environment can support. The problem doesn't relate to this, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Their population distribution is changing.