The video also discusses the role of sunflower stars in the community. What do you predict would be the most likely outcome if the sunflower star population increased dramatically? (1 point)
a. The number of sea otters would drop.
b. The amount of kelp would decrease.
c. The number of sea urchins would drop. Energy flows from microscopic algae to sessile invertebrates to crabs to sea otters.
d. The amount of abalone would increase. Energy flows from kelp to microscopic algae to sea stars to crabs to otters.
c. The number of sea urchins would drop. Energy flows from microscopic algae to sessile invertebrates to crabs to sea otters.
c. The number of sea urchins would drop.
Energy flows from microscopic algae to sessile invertebrates to crabs to sea otters. If the population of sunflower stars increased dramatically, they would likely feed on the sea urchins, causing their numbers to decrease.
To predict the most likely outcome if the sunflower star population increased dramatically, we can refer to the video and the information provided. According to the given options, the role of sunflower stars in the community is crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Sunflower stars primarily feed on sea urchins, which helps control their population. Sea urchins, in turn, feed on kelp, and their population can have significant impacts on the kelp forest ecosystem.
Based on this information, we can eliminate answer choices (a) and (d) because they do not align with the indirect effects discussed in the video. The video states that energy flows from microscopic algae to sessile invertebrates to crabs to sea otters, so it is unlikely that the sunflower star population directly affects the number of sea otters or abalone.
Answer choice (b), "The amount of kelp would decrease," is a potential outcome if the sunflower star population increased dramatically. Since sunflower stars prey on sea urchins, their increased population would likely result in decreased sea urchin numbers. With fewer sea urchins feeding on kelp, the kelp population may thrive and increase in abundance.
Answer choice (c), "The number of sea urchins would drop," aligns with the ecological role of sunflower stars as their main prey. If the sunflower star population were to increase dramatically, it would likely lead to a decrease in the number of sea urchins. This outcome would have cascading effects on the ecosystem, potentially benefiting other species dependent on kelp for habitat and food.
Therefore, the most likely outcome if the sunflower star population increased dramatically would be (c) "The number of sea urchins would drop."