How would a lack of sand and horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay most likely affect migrating red knots?

• A. Red knots would have difficulty finding food, leading to reduced energy reserves for migration.
• B. Red knots would increase in population due to fewer predators.
• C. Red knots would begin to nest in Delaware Bay instead of just stopping over.
• D. Red knots would switch to feeding exclusively on fish in the bay.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the ecological relationship: Red knots are migratory birds that rely on horseshoe crab eggs as a primary food source during their stopover in Delaware Bay. Horseshoe crabs lay their eggs in sandy areas, which are essential for the red knots to access this food.
2. Analyze the impact of a lack of sand: Without sandy areas, horseshoe crabs cannot lay their eggs effectively. This would directly reduce the availability of food for the red knots during their migration stopover.
3. Consider the consequences for red knots: A lack of food (horseshoe crab eggs) would lead to reduced energy reserves for the red knots, which are critical for completing their long migration journey.
4. Evaluate alternative options: Red knots are specialized feeders during migration and primarily rely on horseshoe crab eggs. Switching to feeding exclusively on fish or nesting in Delaware Bay are unlikely behaviors due to their ecological adaptations and migratory patterns.
5. Conclude the most likely outcome: The absence of sand and horseshoe crabs would most likely result in difficulty finding food, leading to reduced energy reserves for migration, which could negatively impact their population and migration success.