A family raises a species of fish in a pond. At the end of each summer, the family sells the fully grown fish. One year, the family notices that the fish are smaller than they had been the previous year. Which statement best explains this observation?(1 point)
Responses
There was less space in the pond this year than last year.
There was less space in the pond this year than last year.
The type of fish in the pond this year tended to be smaller than the type of fish last year.
The type of fish in the pond this year tended to be smaller than the type of fish last year.
There were fewer fish this year than there were last year.
There were fewer fish this year than there were last year.
There was less food available in the pond this year than last year.
There was less food available in the pond this year than last year.
A species of plant grows poorly in the shadow of a building. Which environmental need is the plant most likely lacking? (1 point)
Responses
space
space
nutrients
nutrients
sunlight
sunlight
water
sunlight
To determine the best explanation for why the fish are smaller this year, we need to consider the possible factors that could affect the fish growth. Possible factors include the amount of space in the pond, the type of fish in the pond, the number of fish in the pond, and the availability of food in the pond.
The first option states that there was less space in the pond this year than last year. This could potentially restrict the growth of the fish if they have less space to swim and forage for food.
The second option suggests that the type of fish in the pond this year tended to be smaller than the type of fish last year. If the family introduced a different species of fish that naturally grows smaller, this could explain why the fish are smaller this year.
The third option states that there were fewer fish this year than there were last year. If the fish population decreased, it is possible that competition for resources increased, leading to slower growth and smaller sizes.
The fourth and final option suggests that there was less food available in the pond this year than last year. If there is less food, the fish might not be able to consume enough nutrients to support their growth, resulting in smaller sizes.
Based on these options, the best explanation is that there was less food available in the pond this year than last year. If the fish do not have enough food to meet their nutritional needs, their growth will be stunted, and they will end up smaller in size.