多选题
Two decades after the Emerald River Dam was built, none of the eight
fish species native to the Emerald River was still reproducing adequately in the
river below the dam. Since the dam reduced the annual range of water temperature
in the river below the dam from 50 degrees to 6 degrees, scientists have
hypothesized that sharply rising water temperatures must be involved in
signaling the native species to begin the reproductive cycle.
Which of the following statements, if tree, would most strengthen the
scientists' hypothesis?
- A. The native fish species were still able to reproduce only in side streams
of the river below the dam where the annual temperature range remains
approximately 50 degrees.
- B. Before the dam was built, the Emerald River annually overflowed its
banks, creating backwaters that were critical breeding areas for the native
species offish.
- C. The lowest recorded temperature of the Emerald River before the dam was
built was 34 degrees, whereas the lowest recorded temperature of the fiver after
the dam was built has been 43 degrees.
- D. Nonnative species of fish, introduced into the Emerald River after the
dam was built, have begun competing with the declining native fish species for
food and space.
- E. Five of the fish species native to the Emerald River are not native to
any other fiver in North America.