Question

this food chain shows organisms in an estuary ecosystem. use the food chain to complete the text below. if the population of bluefish decreases, the population of atlantic silversides will likely, and the population of pelicans will likely

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze predator - prey relationship

In the food chain, bluefish eat Atlantic silversides and pelicans eat bluefish. If bluefish population decreases, there is less predation on Atlantic silversides.

Step2: Determine population change of Atlantic silversides

Since there is less predation, the population of Atlantic silversides will likely increase.

Step3: Determine population change of pelicans

Since bluefish are the prey of pelicans and bluefish population decreases, the food source for pelicans reduces, so the population of pelicans will likely decrease.

Answer:

increase; decrease