A stream runs through a mountain forest. Willow trees grow on each side of the stream. A small deer population feeds on the willows. Mountain trout rely on the willow shade for shelter. The apex predator in the forest is the mountain lion. The mountain lions primarily eat deer, but also eat rodents, fish, and other prey species.

Question

Analyze the components of the ecosystem. What would likely be an early outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes?

(1 point)
Responses

The willow tree population will increase the next summer.
The willow tree population will increase the next summer.

The deer population will decrease the first winter.
The deer population will decrease the first winter.

The stream will become polluted within a few seasons.
The stream will become polluted within a few seasons.

The rodent population will increase within a few months.

Answer 1

If the mountain lion population vanishes, the most likely early outcome would be:

The deer population will increase the next summer.

Without mountain lions as an apex predator, the pressure on the deer population would be significantly reduced, leading to an increase in their numbers. This, in turn, could have various cascading effects on the ecosystem, such as overgrazing of willow trees and other vegetation, which could impact other species that rely on those plants.