Question

mckennon, jason
number of
150
100
50
0
1998 2002 2006 2010 2014 2018
year
which statement most likely explains the change in the number of snook caught during these years?
a the salinity of water farther north is increasing.
b snook are becoming more tolerant of fresh water.
c the temperature of water farther north is increasing.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the graph (showing a rapid increase in snook caught over years) and the options:

• Option 1 (salinity increase north): Salinity change alone doesn’t directly explain snook population growth unless snook have a specific salinity - related migration pattern, but this is less likely than temperature - driven range expansion.
• Option 2 (freshwater tolerance): If snook were becoming more tolerant of freshwater, we might expect them to be found in more freshwater - dominated areas, but the graph shows an increase in number caught, likely due to a change in their habitat range related to a more fundamental environmental factor like temperature.
• Option 3 (temperature increase north): Snook are ectothermic (cold - blooded) and have a preferred temperature range. If water temperature farther north is increasing, their suitable habitat range expands northward. This would lead to more snook being present in areas where they can be caught, explaining the increase in the number of snook caught over the years.

Answer:

C. The temperature of water farther north is increasing.