Question

Matthew has discovered a new species of fish. During the summer months, the male fish separate themselves from the female fish and swim to cooler waters. During one summer, a volcano erupts and the molten rock forms a barrier preventing the male and female fish from reuniting.
Which of these BEST describes the long-term outlook for this new species of fish?
A) The species would not be affected by the barrier.
B) The male fish would begin to produce eggs and sperm.
C) The fish would develop legs and walk across the barrier.
D) The fish would become extinct as they would not be able to reproduce.

Answer 1

The correct answer is D. The fish would become extinct as they would not be able to reproduce.

Explanation:

Fish as most organism prevail over time due to adaptation to environmental conditions and reproduction, in terms of reproduction fish reproduce sexually which means a female gamete and a male gamete are needed to produce offspring, also this, implies both gametes need to be in contact so fertilization can take place. Because of this, if there is a natural or non-natural barrier that stops female and male fish to reunite and therefore prevents the gametes of fish to lead to fertilization and this barrier prevails over time, the species is likely to become extinct or disappear as there are not new individuals or future generations.

Answer 2

D should be the answer as they are no longer able to perform sexual reproduction without the other fish. Therefore, they would die off because they have lost the partner needed to reproduce.

Hope this helps!