Scientists collected data on the presence of stony coral in the Florida National Marine Sanctuary. From these data, they measured a steady decline in the population of this species of coral. Which approach would most likely be best for ecologists to do first in this situation?

Question

Scientists collected data on the presence of stony coral in the Florida National Marine Sanctuary. From these data, they measured a steady decline in the population of this species of coral. Which approach would most likely be best for ecologists to do first in this situation?

Oresearch what was causing harm to the coral

introduce other species of coral that would survive better

Ouse technology to clean the water in the reef

Oincrease the size of the sanctuary overall

(1 point)

Answer 1

The best approach for ecologists to do first in this situation would be to research what was causing harm to the coral. By understanding the factors contributing to the decline in the population of stony coral, ecologists can develop targeted conservation strategies to address the specific threats facing this species.