What ecological consequence arises when human fishing depletes calorie-rich fish like anchovies for African penguins?
Answer
It can create an ecological trap leading to chick abandonment and population decline
When preferred, calorie-rich schooling fish are depleted, penguins are forced to consume less nutritious substitutes. For breeding parents, this lack of energy can prevent them from sustaining both themselves and their young, resulting in chick abandonment.
Related Questions
What physical feature helps penguins secure slippery prey like fish while swallowing underwater?What is the maximum documented diving depth for the Emperor penguin?Why have different penguin species evolved distinct food preferences?What is the key difference in krill consumption between Adélie and Chinstrap penguins?What types of schooling fish do African penguins rely on heavily, especially during fasting periods?When an oily fish like an anchovy is consumed, what energy-related advantage does it offer compared to squid?How do researchers non-invasively reconstruct the recent diet of Adélie penguins?What is a hypothesized reason why King, Rockhopper, and Macaroni penguins purposefully swallow stones?Which unusual item have at least four penguin species been observed eating, possibly to acquire collagen?What is the current standard meal provided to penguins in controlled captive environments?What ecological consequence arises when human fishing depletes calorie-rich fish like anchovies for African penguins?