❓ Question According to the passage, what was the primary effect of removing *Pisaster ochraceus* from experimental plots?
- A. A) The population of mussels increased, leading to a loss of species diversity.
- B. B) The starfish's prey disappeared, causing a collapse of the entire food web.
- C. C) Algae and barnacles thrived, resulting in a more diverse community.
- D. D) The ecosystem became more stable due to reduced predation pressure.