Which of the following statements is the most likely explanation for the decrease in sea urchin abundance seen between 1980 and 1990?
Choose 1
Choose 1

(Choice A)
A
The sea urchin population was reduced by a density-dependent factor that had a positive effect on embryo development.

(Choice B)
B
The sea urchin population was reduced by a density-independent factor that had a negative effect on embryo development.

(Choice C)
C
The sea urchin population was reduced by a density-independent factor that directly caused the environment’s carrying capacity for sea urchin embryos to decrease.

(Choice D)
D
The sea urchin population was reduced by a density-dependent factor that directly caused the environment’s carrying capacity for sea urchin embryos to increase.