During El Niño events, coastal populations of anchovies and sardines
A) flourish as seabird populations decline.
B) decline as sea lion populations flourish.
C) flourish as sea lion populations decline.
D) decline as phytoplankton populations decline.
E) flourish as phytoplankton populations flourish.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During El Niño events, the warmer surface water temperatures can lead to a decline in phytoplankton populations, which are a primary food source for anchovies and sardines. As the phytoplankton populations decline, the anchovies and sardines, which feed on them, also experience a decline in their populations.

During El Niño Events, Coastal Populations of Anchovies and Sardines