Question

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.

(1 point)
Responses

rabbit
rabbit

deer
deer

fox
fox

wolf

Answer 1

wolf

The wolf plays a keystone role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of rabbits, deer, and foxes. Without the wolf, these prey populations could overpopulate and cause negative effects on the ecosystem, such as habitat destruction and depletion of resources. Therefore, the absence of the wolf would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem.