A ichthyologist observes that the population of a certain reef fish species decreases by 12% each year due to warming ocean temperatures. If there were initially 2,500 individuals, how many remain after 3 years?

Sun, 03 May 2026 03:08:53 +0000

**How a Decline in Reef Fish Populations Reflects the Cooling Impact of Warming Skies** Why are scientists and ocean conservationists increasingly sounding the alarm about reef fish populations shrinking—especially by nearly 12% annually? This trend isn’t just a statistic; it’s a quiet warning from ecosystems undergoing rapid transformation. Among the species under close scientific scrutiny is a vibrant reef fish whose numbers dip as ocean temperatures rise, revealing broader environmental strain. With coral bleaching and habitat loss accelerating worldwide, understanding population shifts helps clarify how marine life responds to climate stressors in real time. A ichthyologist observes that the population of a certain reef fish species decreases by 12% each year due to warming ocean temperatures. If there were initially 2,500 individuals, how many remain after 3 years? This question reflects public curiosity about visible environmental change—how do small annual declines translate into tangible loss? For interested readers, the answer reveals how fragile marine biodiversity has become under ongoing climate pressures. ### The Science Behind the Decline: Why Growth Stops