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Multiple Choice
Which of these situations would lead to a decrease in the number of producers in an ecosystem?
A
A decrease in nutrient levels in the soil
B
An increase in sunlight availability
C
An increase in herbivore population
D
A decrease in predator population
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the role of producers in an ecosystem: Producers, such as plants, are organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.
Understand the impact of nutrient levels: Nutrients in the soil are essential for plant growth. A decrease in nutrient levels can limit the growth and reproduction of producers, leading to a decrease in their population.
Analyze the effect of sunlight availability: Sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis. An increase in sunlight generally supports the growth of producers, so this situation would not lead to a decrease in their numbers.
Consider the impact of herbivore population: Herbivores consume producers. An increase in the herbivore population can lead to overconsumption of producers, potentially decreasing their numbers if the consumption rate exceeds the producers' growth rate.
Evaluate the role of predators: Predators control herbivore populations. A decrease in predator population can lead to an increase in herbivores, which may result in overconsumption of producers, thus decreasing their numbers.