Question 9
Original source text (the exact panel preserves diagram labels, tables and choices):
In a pond, life is interconnected through a food chain. Algae, small green
organisms, are primary producers, creating their own food using sunlight. They
serve as the main food source for consumers like aquatic insects and small fish.
These insects and small fish, in turn, become food for larger predators such as
frogs.
Consider a scenario where environmental pollution causes a significant decline in
the algae population. This change directly impacts the availability of food for the
insects and small fish, potentially affecting their numbers. Based on these
observations, what is the MOST likely result of the algae disappearing?
A. All animals in the pond will grow faster due to less competition.
B. Small fish and insects may decrease because their main food source is gone.
C. Frogs will have more food since algae are not blocking the water.
D. Insects will start making their own food and become producers.
In a pond, life is interconnected through a food chain. Algae, small green
organisms, are primary producers, creating their own food using sunlight. They
serve as the main food source for consumers like aquatic insects and small fish.
These insects and small fish, in turn, become food for larger predators such as
frogs.
Consider a scenario where environmental pollution causes a significant decline in
the algae population. This change directly impacts the availability of food for the
insects and small fish, potentially affecting their numbers. Based on these
observations, what is the MOST likely result of the algae disappearing?
A. All animals in the pond will grow faster due to less competition.
B. Small fish and insects may decrease because their main food source is gone.
C. Frogs will have more food since algae are not blocking the water.
D. Insects will start making their own food and become producers.