GED Science TestLife ScienceMedium
A marine biologist is studying a population of sea turtles that primarily feed on jellyfish. Over the last decade, there has been a significant decline in the jellyfish population due to ocean acidification impacting their reproductive cycle. What is the most likely long-term consequence for the sea turtle population?
- AThe sea turtles will develop new physiological adaptations to digest plastic pollution, mistaking it for jellyfish.
- BA decline in the sea turtle population due to a lack of primary food source, potentially leading to local extinction.
- CAn increase in the sea turtle population due to reduced competition for other food sources.
- DA shift in the sea turtles' diet to include a wider variety of prey, leading to increased biodiversity.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A decline in the sea turtle population due to a lack of primary food source, potentially leading to local extinction.
If a keystone food source like jellyfish declines significantly, a specialized predator like the sea turtle, which relies heavily on it, will face severe food scarcity. This will lead to a decline in the sea turtle population, as they struggle to find enough sustenance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Developing rapid physiological adaptations to digest plastic is highly improbable and unscientific; evolution takes much longer.
- C. Reduced competition for other food sources is irrelevant if their primary food source is gone and they cannot easily switch.
- D. While some diet shifts are possible, a dramatic and rapid decline in a primary food source often leads to population decline before significant dietary adaptation occurs.
Ecological Niche & Food Web Impact
An ecological niche describes the role and position a species has in its environment, including how it meets its needs for food and shelter. Disruption of a key food source profoundly impacts species with specialized diets.
- Specialized feeders are vulnerable to changes in their primary food source.
- Food webs illustrate feeding relationships; removal of one component affects others.
- Population dynamics are directly linked to resource availability.
Memory trick: No jellyfish, no turtles, ecosystem in crisis!