A researcher estimated the number of successful eggs hatched from the eggs laid by a school of salmon during four consecutive years. The table shows the data collected. Year
2005
2006
2007
2008
Number of
Eggs Laid
7,500
8,500
8,000
7,000
Number of
Eggs Hatched
4,250
4,000
2,000
1,000
The researcher found a trend between the decrease in hatches and an increasing amount of salinity in the water. How does a decrease in the hatch rate most likely affect the
ecosystem?
It will lead to an increase in the populations of bears and eagles.
It will lead to an increase in the populations of sharks and whales.
K
It will lead to a decrease in the population of organisms that salmon eat.
It will lead to a decrease in the population of organisms that eat salmon.