Question

"Over the past few decades, researchers have observed declining numbers in two species of penguins native to the West Antarctic peninsula. New evidence is pointing to a decline in their food supply as the primary cause for the recent drops in their numbers. These penguins feed on krill, small animals that grow and develop under ice masses. The graphs below show data related to two factors: atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and Antarctic ice mass. The diagram of a generalized Antarctic food web illustrates the role of the penguins.

Explain why the change in ice mass is resulting in a decline in the penguin populations."

Answer 1

There are a few very good reasons why the change in the ice mass results in a decline in the populations of penguins. One reason is the penguins food source grows and develops under the the ice masses. Another reason is a loss of habitat for the penguins. When there is less ice, there are fewer krill for the penguins to eat.