Researchers found that the population of northern pike was increasing in a local lake. This fish preys on ducklings, which causes a decrease in the overall duck population. Scientists want to design a solution that will allow the duck population to grow without affecting other organisms in the area. They have a budget of $200,000 and want to see positive results within two years. Four possible solutions are shown in the table below.
Solution Description Cost Drawbacks
1 reduce limits on
and encourage more
northern pike fishing $100,000 possible
overfishing beyond
new limits
2 collect the northern pike
with traps
and relocate them $300,000 takes more
than three years
to complete
3 add predators
of northern pike
to the lake $120,000 possible disruption
of ecosystem
balance
4 construct large
fenced areas that
keep ducklings out $150,000 restricts
public access
to the lake
Which solution would be the best to implement to achieve the scientists' goals?
A.
solution 4
B.
solution 3
C.
solution 1
D.
solution 2
The best solution to implement to achieve the scientists' goals within their budget and timeline would be solution 1: reduce limits on and encourage more northern pike fishing. This solution is the most cost-effective and has the potential to effectively reduce the population of northern pike, allowing the duck population to grow without major drawbacks.
Which solution would be the best to implement to achieve the scientists' goals?
A.
solution 4
B.
solution 3
C.
solution 1
D.
solution 2