The crown-of-thorns sea star, Acanthaster planci, preys on the flesh of live coral. At times, these sea stars undergo poorly understood population explosions. What impact should such explosions have on those sea slugs that bear cerata (cerata contain nematocysts)? Population explosions of this sea star should
A) benefit sea slugs by distracting their prey.
B) benefit sea slugs by helping subdue their prey.
C) harm sea slugs by competing with them for food.
D) harm sea slugs by consuming them as food.
E) harm sea slugs by fouling the water with their feces.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Population explosions of the crown-of-thorns sea star, which preys on live coral, would likely lead to increased competition for food with those sea slugs that rely on coral for sustenance. This is because both the sea stars and the sea slugs would be competing for the same food source, the coral.

The Crown-Of-Thorns Sea Star, Acanthaster Planci, Preys on the Flesh