Question

If changing conditions lead to decreased oxygen levels in the stream, the carrying capacity of the stream for the trout will decrease. Oxygen level in water is therefore a(n) _____________ with respect to the number of trout that a particular stream can support.

Answer 1

Dissolved?

Answer 2

Decreased

Answer 3

[AI-generated answer — Explain Bot]

Oxygen level in water is therefore a limiting factor with respect to the number of trout that a particular stream can support.

To understand why oxygen level in water is a limiting factor for trout, we need to understand the concept of carrying capacity. Carrying capacity refers to the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can sustainably support over a given period of time.

Trout, like many other fish, rely on dissolved oxygen in the water to survive. They extract oxygen from the water through their gills. If the oxygen levels in the stream decrease due to changing conditions (such as pollution or reduced water flow), the trout may not be able to obtain enough oxygen to meet their needs. This can lead to stress, physiological problems, and even death.

Therefore, the carrying capacity of the stream for trout will decrease because the stream cannot support as many trout when oxygen levels are low. As a result, oxygen level in water becomes a limiting factor for trout populations in that particular stream.