❓ Вопрос According to the passage, what was the primary consequence of removing *Pisaster ochraceus* from intertidal zones?
- A. A. The mussel population declined sharply due to lack of predation.
- B. B. Species diversity in the area increased significantly.
- C. C. Mussels outcompeted other organisms, leading to reduced biodiversity.
- D. D. Sea urchin populations expanded and destroyed kelp forests.