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Question 1
D
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
45%
(medium)
Question Stats:
66% (02:31) correct
35%
(02:52) wrong
based on 200
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 2
A
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
55%
(hard)
Question Stats:
58% (01:30) correct 42%
(01:36) wrong
based on 223
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 3
C
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
65%
(hard)
Question Stats:
45% (01:10) correct 55%
(01:27) wrong
based on 216
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Question 4
E
Be sure to select an answer first to save it in the Error Log before revealing the correct answer (OA)!
Difficulty:
5%
(low)
Question Stats:
89% (00:54) correct 11%
(01:11) wrong
based on 203
sessions
History
Date
Time
Result
Not Attempted Yet
Artificial reefs have long been a subject of debate among marine scientists regarding their role in restoring fish populations in degraded ecosystems. Historically, these structures were thought to serve primarily as aggregators, attracting fish from surrounding areas without contributing to overall population growth. However, recent studies indicate that under the right conditions, artificial reefs can enhance biodiversity and promote fish stock replenishment, offering a viable tool for marine conservation efforts.
A study conducted by Gillies tracked fish populations around artificial reefs deployed off the coast of Australia over a three-year period. By comparing these sites to nearby natural reefs, the research found a 35% increase in fish biomass- the total mass of living organisms in area- around the artificial structures, accompanied by a 22% rise in species diversity. Notably, recruitment rates for juvenile fish were higher near the artificial reefs than in control areas, suggesting that these structures can function as effective nurseries rather than mere aggregation points.
Barley’s research further examined the design elements influencing reef success. The study demonstrated that complex, multi-layered reef structures supported 40% more species than simpler designs. This finding supports the theory that greater structural complexity provides enhanced protection from predators and increases habitat availability, fostering population growth across a range of species.
Simpson and colleagues explored the potential of artificial reefs to mitigate the effects of coral bleaching. Their research in the Maldives revealed that 60% of corals transplanted onto artificial reefs survived and propagated within two years. The results suggest that by providing stable surfaces for coral attachment, artificial reefs can play a critical role in coral restoration, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience in affected areas.
Despite these promising outcomes, artificial reefs are not without limitations. Peterson’s meta-analysis cautions that poorly designed or improperly placed reefs may fail to attract target species or risk disrupting existing ecosystems. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning reef design and placement with local environmental conditions to maximize ecological benefits.
Although artificial reefs cannot single-handedly reverse marine degradation, their strategic use presents a promising avenue for enhancing fish habitats and supporting coral regeneration. As marine ecosystems face increasing environmental pressures, artificial reefs represent a practical, research-backed solution for promoting biodiversity and ecological stability.
A study conducted by Gillies tracked fish populations around artificial reefs deployed off the coast of Australia over a three-year period. By comparing these sites to nearby natural reefs, the research found a 35% increase in fish biomass- the total mass of living organisms in area- around the artificial structures, accompanied by a 22% rise in species diversity. Notably, recruitment rates for juvenile fish were higher near the artificial reefs than in control areas, suggesting that these structures can function as effective nurseries rather than mere aggregation points.
Barley’s research further examined the design elements influencing reef success. The study demonstrated that complex, multi-layered reef structures supported 40% more species than simpler designs. This finding supports the theory that greater structural complexity provides enhanced protection from predators and increases habitat availability, fostering population growth across a range of species.
Simpson and colleagues explored the potential of artificial reefs to mitigate the effects of coral bleaching. Their research in the Maldives revealed that 60% of corals transplanted onto artificial reefs survived and propagated within two years. The results suggest that by providing stable surfaces for coral attachment, artificial reefs can play a critical role in coral restoration, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience in affected areas.
Despite these promising outcomes, artificial reefs are not without limitations. Peterson’s meta-analysis cautions that poorly designed or improperly placed reefs may fail to attract target species or risk disrupting existing ecosystems. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning reef design and placement with local environmental conditions to maximize ecological benefits.
Although artificial reefs cannot single-handedly reverse marine degradation, their strategic use presents a promising avenue for enhancing fish habitats and supporting coral regeneration. As marine ecosystems face increasing environmental pressures, artificial reefs represent a practical, research-backed solution for promoting biodiversity and ecological stability.
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. explain why a particular conservation strategy is likely to be phased out due to environmental risks
B. present different conservation strategies and the specific conditions under which each would be most effective
C. present a conservation strategy as a universally effective solution for biodiversity loss
D. highlight the benefits and potential future applications of a conservation strategy
E. summarize research findings that have transformed marine conservation policies across multiple regions
A. explain why a particular conservation strategy is likely to be phased out due to environmental risks
B. present different conservation strategies and the specific conditions under which each would be most effective
C. present a conservation strategy as a universally effective solution for biodiversity loss
D. highlight the benefits and potential future applications of a conservation strategy
E. summarize research findings that have transformed marine conservation policies across multiple regions
2. Which of the following, if true, would most help explain the increased fish biomass observed around artificial reefs in Gillies’ study?
A. The artificial reefs were constructed using materials that promote additional plankton growth, providing food for fish.
B. The artificial reefs were built using materials designed to mimic the texture of natural coral.
C. The artificial reefs lead to overcrowding and competition for resources.
D. Juvenile fish are equally likely to inhabit natural reefs and artificial reefs.
E. Fish species around artificial reefs tend to have shorter life spans and higher reproductive rates than those in natural reef habitats.
A. The artificial reefs were constructed using materials that promote additional plankton growth, providing food for fish.
B. The artificial reefs were built using materials designed to mimic the texture of natural coral.
C. The artificial reefs lead to overcrowding and competition for resources.
D. Juvenile fish are equally likely to inhabit natural reefs and artificial reefs.
E. Fish species around artificial reefs tend to have shorter life spans and higher reproductive rates than those in natural reef habitats.
3. Based on the passage, which of the following would most help explain why a conservation organization might choose not to deploy artificial reefs, despite being aware of the positive results observed in Gillies’ study?
A. The organization is concerned that artificial reefs could significantly reduce fish diversity.
B. The organization is attempting to decelerate coral bleaching in nearby natural reefs.
C. The organization is concerned that artificial reefs could alter predator-prey dynamics, potentially displacing native species like octopuses.
D. The organization operates in a region where artificial reefs have previously failed due to poor design.
E. The organization is looking to promote long-term fish population growth.
A. The organization is concerned that artificial reefs could significantly reduce fish diversity.
B. The organization is attempting to decelerate coral bleaching in nearby natural reefs.
C. The organization is concerned that artificial reefs could alter predator-prey dynamics, potentially displacing native species like octopuses.
D. The organization operates in a region where artificial reefs have previously failed due to poor design.
E. The organization is looking to promote long-term fish population growth.
4. According to the passage, the results of multiple studies have yielded which of the following?
A. Evidence that artificial reefs are more effective in regions with stable fish populations.
B. Changes in the materials used to construct artificial reefs.
C. Concerns that artificial reefs may accelerate coral bleaching in natural reefs.
D. Recognition that the structural complexity of reefs can reduce competition among fish species.
E. New perspectives on how artificial reefs can restore ecosystem balance.
A. Evidence that artificial reefs are more effective in regions with stable fish populations.
B. Changes in the materials used to construct artificial reefs.
C. Concerns that artificial reefs may accelerate coral bleaching in natural reefs.
D. Recognition that the structural complexity of reefs can reduce competition among fish species.
E. New perspectives on how artificial reefs can restore ecosystem balance.
Check the links to other Butler Projects:
22 Feb 2025, 23:00
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Bunuel
Official Solution:
1. The primary purpose of the passage is to
A. explain why a particular conservation strategy is likely to be phased out due to environmental risks
B. present different conservation strategies and the specific conditions under which each would be most effective
C. present a conservation strategy as a universally effective solution for biodiversity loss
D. highlight the benefits and potential future applications of a conservation strategy
E. summarize research findings that have transformed marine conservation policies across multiple regions
A) Incorrect: The overall tone highlights artificial reefs' potential benefits rather than suggesting their discontinuation.
B) Incorrect: The passage focuses primarily on artificial reefs, not multiple conservation strategies.
C) Incorrect: The passage states that artificial reefs are not universally effective or a complete solution to marine degradation.
D) Correct: The passage consistently highlights how artificial reefs can enhance biodiversity, aid coral restoration, and support marine ecosystems, making this the most accurate representation of the overall message.
E) Incorrect: There is no indication that studies and findings have led to widespread policy changes.
2. Which of the following, if true, would most help explain the increased fish biomass observed around artificial reefs in Gillies’ study?
A. The artificial reefs were constructed using materials that promote additional plankton growth, providing food for fish.
B. The artificial reefs were built using materials designed to mimic the texture of natural coral.
C. The artificial reefs lead to overcrowding and competition for resources.
D. Juvenile fish are equally likely to inhabit natural reefs and artificial reefs.
E. Fish species around artificial reefs tend to have shorter life spans and higher reproductive rates than those in natural reef habitats.
A) Correct: Promoting plankton growth enhances the food supply for fish, which helps explain the observed increase in biomass. This aligns with how artificial reefs can foster population growth by supporting the ecosystem.
B) Incorrect: Mimicking the texture of natural coral does not explain the long-term increase in fish biomass. Habitat creation alone does not account for the significant rise in food resources that would drive higher biomass.
C) Incorrect: This suggests that the reefs would not contribute to increased biomass but instead create problems like overcrowding, which contradicts the study's findings.
D) Incorrect: If juveniles show no preference, it wouldn’t explain the increased biomass observed in the study.
E) Incorrect: Shorter life spans could limit the size of individual fish, leading to uncertain effects on overall biomass. This is an ambiguous fact that can shift the biomass in either direction.
3. Based on the passage, which of the following would most help explain why a conservation organization might choose not to deploy artificial reefs, despite being aware of the positive results observed in Gillies’ study?
A. The organization is concerned that artificial reefs could significantly reduce fish diversity.
B. The organization is attempting to decelerate coral bleaching in nearby natural reefs.
C. The organization is concerned that artificial reefs could alter predator-prey dynamics, potentially displacing native species like octopuses.
D. The organization operates in a region where artificial reefs have previously failed due to poor design.
E. The organization is looking to promote long-term fish population growth.
A) Incorrect: The passage does not suggest that artificial reefs reduce diversity
B) Incorrect: This statement contradicts the benefits described.
C) Correct: The passage notes that poorly designed or improperly placed reefs can disrupt ecosystems, which could plausibly involve displacing species or altering predator-prey relationships. This can harm delicate ecosystems.
D) Incorrect: The passage does not imply that failure is inevitable. The emphasis is on improving design and placement to avoid future issues.
E) Incorrect: This option contradicts and misrepresents the core findings of the passage.
4. According to the passage, the results of multiple studies have yielded which of the following?
A. Evidence that artificial reefs are more effective in regions with stable fish populations.
B. Changes in the materials used to construct artificial reefs.
C. Concerns that artificial reefs may accelerate coral bleaching in natural reefs.
D. Recognition that the structural complexity of reefs can reduce competition among fish species.
E. New perspectives on how artificial reefs can restore ecosystem balance.
A) Incorrect: The passage emphasizes that artificial reefs are effective in degraded ecosystems, not regions with stable fish populations.
B) Incorrect: The passage does not indicate that studies have led to material changes.
C) Incorrect: The passage highlights artificial reefs as supporting coral restoration, not contributing to coral bleaching.
D) Incorrect: The passage does not suggest it reduces competition among species.
E) Correct: The passage highlights how artificial reefs contribute to enhancing biodiversity, restoring fish populations, and even supporting coral propagation.
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