Question

What happens to an ecosystem when the primary consumers disappear?(1 point)
Responses

The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.
The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.

Both the producer and secondary consumer populations increase.
Both the producer and secondary consumer populations increase.

The producer population decreases, while the secondary consumer population increases.
The producer population decreases, while the secondary consumer population increases.

Both the producer and secondary consumer populations decrease.

Answer 1

When primary consumers disappear, the most likely outcome is that the producer population increases due to reduced herbivory (less consumption of plants by herbivores). As a result, the secondary consumers, which rely on primary consumers for food, would likely decrease due to lack of available food resources.

Therefore, the correct response is:

**The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.**