Watershed. Harmful algal blooms are characterized by a rapid increase in the population of a type of algae that produces toxins. Toxins are chemicals that are poisonous to living things. The rapid reproduction of this type of algae is caused by the presence of sunlight, warm water.and an increase in the level of nutrients in the water The nutrients come from farms that use chemicals to make their plants healthy. They are carried to lakes and rivers by runoff. Suppose this scenario was modeled in the lab.How would the populations of the biotic factors be affected? Check all that apply. Mosquito larvae will increase Heron population will increase. D Algae population will increase. Trout population will decrease. D Minnow population will decrease.

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a scenario where harmful algal blooms are occurring due to the presence of sunlight, warm water, and an increase in the level of nutrients in the water. The nutrients are coming from farms and are carried to lakes and rivers by runoff.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The question asks us to predict how the populations of the biotic factors would be affected in this scenario. Biotic factors are living organisms that affect another organism or shape the ecosystem.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The first option, "Mosquito larvae will increase", is a plausible outcome. This is because the conditions described in the problem (sunlight, warm water, and nutrients) are ideal for the growth of algae, which can provide a food source for mosquito larvae.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The second option, "Heron population will increase", is not necessarily a direct outcome of the conditions described. While herons may benefit from the increased availability of fish due to the decrease in trout population, this is not a direct result of the conditions described.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The third option, "Algae population will increase", is a direct outcome of the conditions described. The presence of sunlight, warm water, and nutrients are ideal conditions for the growth of algae.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />The fourth option, "Trout population will decrease", is a plausible outcome. This is because the increase in algae population can lead to a decrease in the availability of food for trout, which can result in a decrease in trout population.<br /><br />## Step 7<br />The fifth option, "Minnow population will decrease", is also a plausible outcome. This is because the increase in algae population can lead to a decrease in the availability of food for minnows, which can result in a decrease in minnow population.