Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
Option A : Though this statement suggests that the population of the prized fish species mayhave declined due to their being caught in greater numbers by fishers, the passage tells us that the number of these fish caught for human consumption has not increased. Therefore this statement cannot explain the species' decline in population.
Option B : The passage tells us that the number offish caught for human consumption has not increased.This answer choice does not provide any explanation for why the population of these fish has declined.
Option C : Correct. Since alligators prey on the predator fish, a decline in the overpopulation result in an increase in the population of the predator fish, which could lead to an increase in non human consumption of the prized freshwater fish.
Option D : We already know from the passage that hunting hasled to a decline in the population of alligators. It is irrelevant what motivated the hunting of alligators.
Option E : The fact that alligators are at risk of extinction due to hunting in neighboring countries does not help explain why the prized freshwater fish species is declining in population. If it is puzzling why the fish population is declining despite the reduction in Garland's alligator population, it would be just as puzzling if the alligator population elsewhere was declining.
The correct answer is C.