Which of the following is a biotic factor that is having a negative impact on marine populations?

• A. Overfishing by humans
• B. Increased salinity levels
• C. Ocean acidification
• D. Rising ocean temperatures

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of biotic and abiotic factors: Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem that affect other organisms, such as predation, competition, or human activities. Abiotic factors are non-living components like temperature, salinity, or pH levels.
2. Analyze the options provided: Overfishing by humans is a biotic factor because it involves human activity, which is a living organism impacting marine populations. The other options (increased salinity levels, ocean acidification, and rising ocean temperatures) are abiotic factors as they involve non-living environmental changes.
3. Recognize the negative impact of overfishing: Overfishing reduces fish populations, disrupts food chains, and affects the balance of marine ecosystems. This is a direct biotic factor caused by human activity.
4. Compare the impact of abiotic factors: While increased salinity levels, ocean acidification, and rising ocean temperatures negatively affect marine populations, they are abiotic factors and not relevant to the question asking for a biotic factor.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is overfishing by humans, as it is the only biotic factor listed that negatively impacts marine populations.