Freshwater native mussels are a keystone species. They keep the harmful bacteria and algae populations from exploding in addition to improving water quality through filtering. A different species of mussels has invaded this river ecosystem. Reviewing the graph above, how has the presence of the invasive mussels affected the population of native mussels?

(1 point)
Responses

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.
Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.

Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.
Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.
Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.

Due to intraspecific competition, the population of native mussels has increased.

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.

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Meow meow meow= Freshwater native mussels are a keystone species. They keep the harmful bacteria and algae populations from exploding in addition to improving water quality through filtering. A different species of mussels has invaded this river ecosystem. Reviewing the graph above, how has the presence of the invasive mussels affected the population of native mussels?

Apologies for the confusion earlier. The presence of invasive mussels in the river ecosystem is likely to have a negative effect on the population of native mussels due to interspecific competition. The invasive mussels may compete with the native mussels for resources, such as food and habitat, leading to a decrease in the population of the native mussels over time.

To determine how the presence of invasive mussels has affected the population of native mussels, you can analyze the graph mentioned in the question. Look for any trends or patterns that might indicate a change in population size.

If the graph shows a decrease in the population of native mussels over time, it could suggest that interspecific competition - competition between different species - is occurring. In this case, the invasive mussels are likely outcompeting the native mussels for resources, leading to a decline in the native mussel population. Thus, the correct answer would be:

Due to interspecific competition, the population of native mussels has decreased.