Question

Read the passage given below and answer the question that follows:

Parlands alligator population has been declining in recent years primarily because of hunting. Alligators prey heavily on a species of freshwater fish that is highly valued as food by Parlanfers who had hoped that the declined in the alligator population would lead to an increase in the numbers of these fish available for human consumption. Yet the population of this fish species has also declined even though the annual number caught for human consumption has not increased.

Which of the following if true most helps to explain the decline in the population of the fish species?

• A. The decline in alligator population has meant that fishers can work in some parts of lakes and rivers that were formerly too dangerous
• B. Over the last few years Parlands commercial fishing enterprises have increased the number of fishing boats they use
• C. The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which alligator also prey
• D. Many Parlanders who hunt alligator do so because of the high market price of alligator skins not because of the threat alligators pose to the fish population
• E. In several neighboring countries through which Parlands rivers also flow alligators are at risk of extinction as a result of extensive hunting

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The main predator of these fish is another species of fish on which alligator also prey

Here, option C is the correct answer. This is so because if alligators prey on these predator fishes and the alligator population is on the decline then there would be a rise in the population of the predator fish which, in turn, would increase the non-human consumption of the freshwater fish. The other options do not provide such a solution. A does not hold true because it suggests that the decline in freshwater fish population is due to the fish being caught in larger numbers, the statement clearly states that there has not been an increase in human consumption of the fish. So A is out. B does not provide any explanation for why the fish population has declined. D provides a reason for the hunting of alligators which is irrelevant. E too fails in providing an explanation for the decline in the population of freshwater fish.