Which of the following is a consequence of acid deposition on fish?

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The consequence of acid deposition on fish that is correct is the reduction in egg hatching. Acid deposition refers to the process through which acid, often from industrial emissions, falls to the earth in rain or through other forms like snow or dust. This increase in acidity can significantly affect aquatic environments, particularly freshwater ecosystems where many fish species reproduce.

When acid levels rise in water, they can disrupt the development of fish eggs and embryos. The eggs may be more vulnerable to predation or environmental stresses, and higher acidity can directly impair the development of the embryos. Reduced hatching success can lead to decreased fish populations, which impacts the entire aquatic food web. Thus, the connection between acid deposition and reduced egg hatching is well established in environmental management studies, making this the correct answer.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the impact of acid deposition on fish. Enhanced gill function is unlikely because increased acidity generally harms physiological functions. Increased predator success does not correlate as predators may also be affected by reduced fish populations. Lastly, while lower oxygen levels can occur in highly polluted water, they are not a direct consequence of acid deposition alone, which primarily affects reproductive processes rather than oxygen dynamics.

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