Question

question 3 of 10
scientists study a marine rock wall. mussels growing on the rock wall take up space that algae could grow. sea urchins feed on algae that grow on the rock wall. the scientists data are represented in the graphs.
available space on a rock wall over time
mussel density over time
sea urchin density over time
which hypothesis is supported by the data?
a. the sea urchin population is more successful than the mussel population in competing for space.
b. the amount of space available does not affect the mussel or sea urchin populations.
c. increasing the mussel density increases the algae available for the sea urchin population.
d. the population of algae decreases as mussel density increases, leading to a smaller sea urchin population.

Explanation:

, sea urchin density decreases over time.

Step3: Rule out Option A

There is no clear indication of one population being more "successful" in competing for space in the given data.

Step4: Rule out Option B

The data shows a relationship between mussel density, sea urchin density and available space for algae, not that available space has no effect on populations.

Step5: Rule out Option C

There is no evidence that increasing mussel density increases algae available for sea urchins; rather the opposite seems true.

Answer:

, sea urchin density decreases over time.

Step3: Rule out Option A

There is no clear indication of one population being more "successful" in competing for space in the given data.

Step4: Rule out Option B

The data shows a relationship between mussel density, sea urchin density and available space for algae, not that available space has no effect on populations.

Step5: Rule out Option C

There is no evidence that increasing mussel density increases algae available for sea urchins; rather the opposite seems true.