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

Question

Responses

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.
Both the producer and secondary consumer populations decrease.

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

Answer 1

When primary consumers disappear from an ecosystem, the most likely scenario is:

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

Without primary consumers to feed on the producers (plants), the producer population is likely to increase due to decreased herbivory. However, the secondary consumers (which prey on primary consumers) would experience a decline in their food source, leading to a decrease in their population.