Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
If the snake population is removed from an ecosystem where snakes are secondary consumers, what is the most likely immediate effect on the populations of their prey, such as mice?
A
The mouse population would increase due to reduced predation.
B
The mouse population would remain unchanged.
C
The mouse population would go extinct.
D
The mouse population would decrease due to increased competition.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of snakes in the ecosystem: Snakes are secondary consumers, meaning they feed on primary consumers like mice. Removing snakes eliminates a predator for mice.
Consider the immediate effect of reduced predation: Without snakes preying on mice, the predation pressure on the mouse population decreases, allowing their numbers to grow.
Analyze the food web dynamics: With fewer predators, the prey population (mice) typically increases unless other factors, such as disease or competition, limit their growth.
Evaluate the given options: The correct answer aligns with the ecological principle that removing a predator leads to an increase in the prey population, at least in the short term.
Conclude that the most likely immediate effect is an increase in the mouse population due to reduced predation, as this is consistent with ecological interactions in food webs.