Aquatic species, such as ocean fish, are particularly vulnerable to overharvesting due to a concept called "tragedy of the commons." When everyone harvests a shared (common) resource, each person tends to harvest as much as possible, because no one owns the resource and there is no motivation to be restrained.This is a particular problem now, with the growing human population and constantly improving technology that makes harvesting fast and efficient.In this situation, which type of fish species would likely be most vulnerable to extinction?
A) A species with a fast swimming speed
B) A small, rapidly reproducing species
C) A small species in a protected environment
D) A large species with slow reproduction
E) A large species that is a poor food source

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A large species with slow reproduction is most vulnerable to overharvesting, because it takes longer for them to reach reproductive age and produce offspring. This means that even if only a small number of the species are harvested, it can have a significant impact on the overall population, making it more likely for the species to become extinct.

Aquatic Species, Such as Ocean Fish, Are Particularly Vulnerable to Overharvesting