Marine biologist Dr. Clara Silva investigated the impact of offshore wind farms on local benthic communities. Silva hypothesized that the artificial structures (the turbine foundations) serve as artificial reefs, attracting specific filter-feeding species like the blue mussel (*Mytilus edulis*) and subsequently increasing the density of their predators, such as the common starfish (*Asterias rubens*), on and immediately adjacent to the structures compared to surrounding sandy seabed areas.
Which choice, if true, would most directly support Silva's hypothesis?
- ALaboratory experiments demonstrated that blue mussels consume more plankton when attached to vertical structures than when resting on flat, horizontal surfaces.
- BArtificial structures placed in marine environments generally lead to an increase in the biodiversity of the entire regional ecosystem over time.
- Surveys of the wind farm revealed that the turbine foundations were heavily colonized by blue mussels, and the density of common starfish on the foundations was significantly higher than in the surrounding sandy seabed.Answer
- DResearchers observed that common starfish migrated to the wind farm from distant natural reefs, suggesting that starfish are capable of navigating across vast stretches of sandy seabed.
Answer
Surveys of the wind farm revealed that the turbine foundations were heavily colonized by blue mussels, and the density of common starfish on the foundations was significantly higher than in the surrounding sandy seabed.
The correct answer directly supports Silva's hypothesis by providing empirical evidence of both elements of the claim: the turbine foundations were colonized by the filter-feeding blue mussels, and the density of their predator, the common starfish, was higher on the foundations than in the surrounding sandy seabed.
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