Which of the following best describes the impact of hypoxia?

The impact of hypoxia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of dissolved oxygen in water, primarily leads to the decline of aquatic life. When oxygen levels drop significantly, aquatic organisms, particularly fish and various invertebrates, struggle to survive because they rely on oxygen for respiration. This lack of oxygen can result in insufficient energy for growth and reproduction, ultimately leading to lower populations and biodiversity.

Organisms such as fish may become stressed and may even die off in severely hypoxic areas, which can create dead zones where few living organisms can thrive. In contrast, options that suggest promotion of biodiversity, revitalization of ecosystems, or increased water clarity do not accurately represent the detrimental effects of hypoxia. Healthy ecosystems depend on adequate oxygen levels to support diverse life forms, and hypoxia typically disrupts these systems rather than enhancing them.