Carp are a type of fish that live in freshwater ecosystems. Through the process of natural selection, Carp have developed an adaptation that allows them to increase their gill surface when fertilizer run-offs cause higher populations of algae in their ecosystem. Why is this an important adaptation?

Question

Carp are a type of fish that live in freshwater ecosystems. Through the process of natural selection, Carp have developed an adaptation that allows them to increase their gill surface when fertilizer run-offs cause higher populations of algae in their ecosystem. Why is this an important adaptation?

The increased population of algae lowers the oxygen levels in the water, so the increased gill surface allows the fish to better absorb the limited oxygen supply.

The increased gill surface enables the Carp to camouflage itself better among the algae.

Increasing the gill surface allowed the Carp to move closer to the surface of the water so they can eat the algae.

The increased gill surface allowed the Carp to stay underwater longer and avoid the algae on the surface.

Answer 1

The first option is the correct answer: The increased gill surface allows the fish to better absorb the limited oxygen supply in the water when fertilizer run-offs cause higher populations of algae in their ecosystem. This adaptation helps the Carp survive in an environment with lower oxygen levels, ultimately increasing their chances of survival and reproductive success.