Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
If the prey population increases, then the predator population ____.
A
remains completely unaffected
B
is likely to increase due to greater food availability
C
will go extinct
D
will decrease because of increased competition
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the relationship between predator and prey populations: In ecosystems, predators depend on prey for food. An increase in prey population typically provides more resources for predators, which can influence their population size.
Analyze the options provided: The first option ('remains completely unaffected') is unlikely because predator populations are often directly influenced by the availability of prey.
Consider the second option ('is likely to increase due to greater food availability'): This aligns with the principle that more prey can support a larger predator population, leading to an increase in predator numbers.
Evaluate the third option ('will go extinct'): This is not logical in this context, as an increase in prey would not lead to predator extinction but rather the opposite.
Assess the fourth option ('will decrease because of increased competition'): While competition among predators may increase slightly, the overall effect of more prey is generally an increase in predator population. Therefore, this option is also unlikely.