Question

Refer to the given food chain operating in an aquatic ecosystem.

Phytoplankton $\to$ Daphnia $\to$ Platy fish $\to$ Catfish $\to$ Shark

When a new species X was introduced into this community, the population of platy fish rose and population of catfish fell over subsequent two weeks. Species X is most likely to be

• A. Another herbivore like platy fish
• B. A predator of platy fish and prey of shark.
• C. A predator of Daphnia only
• D. A predator of catfish only

Answer 1

The correct option is D A predator of catfish only

(c) a predator of catfish only

• Species X is most likely to be a predator of catfish.
• As species X preys on catfish, their number would decrease.
• A decrease in the number of catfish would certainly lead to an increase in the number of platy fish as there won’t be enough predators to consume them.