Scientists from the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Conducted

question 57

Multiple Choice

Scientists from The National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science conducted a 6-year study on the effects of ocean temperature change on abundance of dominant intertidal species (barnacles and mussels) . These organisms can outcompete other intertidal organisms for space (and therefore distribution and abundance) . Suppose the scientists collected the following data on average intertidal zone temperatures (C°) and densities of mussel clumps and barnacle colonies (per square meter) :
$$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | l | } \hline { \text { Year } } & \text { Avg. Annual Intertidal Zone } & & \\ & \text { Temperature } \left( \mathrm { C } ^ { \circ } \right) & \text { \# Clumps Mussels/sq m } & \text { \# Colonies Barnacles/sq m } \\\hline 2004 & 6 ^ { \circ } & 6 & 22 \\\hline 2005 & 6.7 ^ { \circ } & 5.5 & 19 \\\hline 2006 & 7.3 ^ { \circ } & 5 & 17 \\\hline 2007 & 7.8 ^ { \circ } & 4.75 & 16.5 \\\hline 2008 & 8.2 ^ { \circ } & 4.5 & 16 \\\hline 2009 & 8.5 ^ { \circ } & 4.5 & 16 \\\hline 2010 & 8.7 ^ { \circ } & 4.5 & 16 \\\hline\end{array}$$
-Which is a correct interpretation of the data?

• A) As average annual intertidal zone temperatures increased between 2004 and 2005, the number of colonies of barnacles also increased.
• B) As average annual intertidal zone temperatures increased between 2007 and 2010, the number of mussel clumps proportionally decreased.
• C) The greatest change in average annual intertidal zones temperatures occurred between 2004 and 2005.
• D) Between 2004 and 2010, the number of colonies of barnacles increased proportionally with the number of mussel clumps.

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Definitions:

Basal Metabolic Rate

The number of calories required to keep your body functioning at rest, also known as the metabolism's resting rate.

Thermic Effect

The increase in metabolic rate after ingestion of a meal, attributed to the energy required for digestion, absorption, and metabolism of food.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The rate at which the body uses energy while at rest to maintain vital functions such as breathing and circulation.

Young, Active Males

Typically refers to a demographic group characterized by youth and a high level of physical activity.