Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the difference between saprotrophs and detritivores in an ecosystem?
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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In an ecosystem, if the rabbit population is reduced by half, what is the most likely immediate effect on the grass population?
A
The grass population will remain unchanged.
B
The grass population will go extinct.
C
The grass population will decrease because of increased competition.
D
The grass population will increase due to reduced grazing pressure.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the relationship between rabbits and grass in the ecosystem. Rabbits are herbivores that feed on grass, meaning they exert grazing pressure on the grass population.
Step 2: Analyze the scenario where the rabbit population is reduced by half. With fewer rabbits, the grazing pressure on the grass population decreases.
Step 3: Consider the immediate effect of reduced grazing pressure. Grass will have more opportunity to grow and reproduce without being consumed as much by rabbits.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on ecological principles. For example, the grass population will not go extinct or decrease due to competition because the reduction in rabbit population alleviates grazing pressure.
Step 5: Conclude that the most likely immediate effect is an increase in the grass population due to reduced grazing pressure from the rabbits.
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