Researchers have hypothesized that a boom in the populations of harp seals and gray seals in some areas of the Atlantic Ocean is linked to the decline in the population of Atlantic cod, one of the main food sources of the seals. Atlantic cod are one of the species most impacted by human fishing, and in the 1990s their populations decreased to such a degree that many governments banned the fishing of Atlantic cod. Without having to compete with another apex predator, seals were allowed to hunt more cod than ever before. Which finding, if true, would most directly support the researchers’ hypothesis?Increases in the populations of harp seals and gray seals are also associated with the decrease of seals' prey other than Atlantic cod.eliminatePopulations of Atlantic cod tend to have seen greater increases in temperate waters, which are generally less hospitable to harp seals and gray seals than arctic waters. eliminatePopulations of harp seals and gray seals have increased most significantly in the regional waters of nations that have banned the fishing of Atlantic cod.eliminateIn the regional waters of nations that have banned the fishing of Atlantic cod, Atlantic cod populations increased, which resulted in a similar increase in the populations of harp seals and gray seals.

Suppose that scientific research reported that the cod population was reduced in the ecosystem represented by the food web.What result would be most likely over time?Group of answer choicesThe penguin population may decrease.The leopard seal population may decrease.The photosynthetic plankton population may decrease.The krill and zooplankton populations may decrease.

Goodbye, CodThe Atlantic cod was once the mainstay of the United States fishing industry. However, warming of the ocean along the shores of New England has caused the stock of cod to disappear almost completely. According to scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, the Gulf of Maine is heating up faster than a majority of the rest of the planet's oceans. As a result of warmer ocean waters, female cod produce fewer offspring, and these fish are less likely to survive to maturity. Even though recreational cod fishing was banned in 2014, and strict limitations were placed on the number of fish commercial fishermen could catch, these measures have not been enough to protect the cod.What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?

Which of the following applies to Iceland's attempt to prevent the decline of cod fisheries?Catching a wider variety of different fish species to reduce pressure on cod.Sharing fish stocks more equally with other countries.Allowing fishermen to determine fishing quotas.Using improved technology to detect fish stocks in deeper waters.

Explain some ways that human population impact our ability to fish for food.

A seal and a shark eat the same type of fish.Which ecological interaction describes the relationship between the seal and the shark?