Orcas are endangered whales. Only about 80 individuals remain off the 1 point

coast of Washington State. Salmon are a source of food for orcas. Some

individuals are proposing that four dams in Washington State be removed

so that habitat areas for salmon will be increased. Those opposed to the

dam removals say that the dams provide low-cost hydroelectric power and

positively influence the local economy. This situation is an example of:

This situation is an example of opportunity cost.

Explanation:

Opportunity cost is a term widely used in the economy, but it can be applied to other areas. This term refers to a choice that must be made between two factors. However, choosing one factor promotes the renouncement of opportunities that the other factor would provide.

An example of this can be easily seen in the question above, where in order to increase the availability of food for orcas and decrease the threat of extinction of this animal, it will be necessary to remove the d*ms from the region. However, if the d*ms in the region are removed, it will not be possible to offer low-cost energy to the population, which can negatively influence the local economy.