A marine ecosystem off the California coast consists of leatherback turtles that feed on jellyfish, and killer whales that prey on the leatherback turtles. Habitat loss and fishing have been identified as the main reasons for the reduced numbers of leatherback turtles, who are on the verge of being declared an endangered species. What would be the first effect on the ecosystem if habitat loss and fishing continue unchecked? A) A spurt in the population of jellyfish B) A spurt in the population of killer whales C) A change in the feeding habits of jellyfish D) A migration of jelly fish from the ecosystem

According to this question, habitat loss affects population of leatherback turtles so the population of the leatherback will go down and it will affect the population of killer whales because killer whales prey on leatherback turtles.

As the population of leatherback turtles decreases the population of its prey that is jelly will grow very fast due to lack of their natural predators like leatherback turtles.

So if habitat loss and fishing continue unchecked then there will be a spurt in the population of jellyfish and decrease in the population of leatherback turtles and killer whales which will disturb the balance marine ecosystem.

Therefore the correct answer is A) A spurt in the population of jellyfish.