A Marine Aquarium Has Been Hoping to Breed Some Endangered

Multiple Choice

A marine aquarium has been hoping to breed some endangered species in its intertidal zone tank, but has been unsuccessful.Their new student intern, who is taking Introductory Biology at the local university, suggested raising the water level.It worked! Several species spawned and the aquarists are thrilled.What is the best explanation for the behavioral response?

A) The added water diluted pheromones that built up in the tank over time, signaling over-crowding.
B) The added water mimicked the higher tide that occurs monthly, which many marine animals use to synchronize their reproduction.
C) It worked, but for a poor reason -- the chlorine in the poorly-prepared water was harmful to the animals, and they engaged in "last chance" mating in case they might die.
D) The added water led to proliferation of algae and plankton, signaling an abundance of food that could support small fry and larvae.