The insecticide endosulfan can suppress pheromone production. Pheromones are used to indicate reproductive receptivity for many organisms, such as red-spotted newts. Suppose a lake near an agricultural area becomes contaminated with endosulfan; what will be the possible effect of this on the population of red-spotted newts living on the lake?

• A. The population size will decrease.
• B. The population size will increase.
• C. The population size will remain the same.
• D. The population size will exceed the carrying capacity of the lake.

Answer: (A)