Question

Imagine that an ecosystem contains rabbits, foxes, wolves, and deer. The following predator-prey relationships exist:
Rabbits are eaten by foxes and wolves
Deer are eaten by wolves
Foxes are eaten by wolves
Select the animal whose absence would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem.
A. rabbit
B. deer
C. fox
D. wolf

Answer 1

choose one answer from above

Answer 2

If the wolf population were to be absent from the ecosystem, it would have the greatest negative effect. Wolves play a critical role in controlling the populations of both rabbits and deer, as they are predators to both species. Without wolves, rabbit and deer populations would likely increase rapidly, leading to overgrazing and a decrease in vegetation, which can have cascading negative effects on other species within the ecosystem.

Answer 3

D. wolf