In this ecosystem, the animal whose absence would have the greatest negative effect is the wolf.
Here’s why:
-
Wolves are apex predators and play a crucial role in regulating the populations of both deer and foxes. Their absence would likely lead to an overpopulation of these prey species (deer and foxes), which could then result in overgrazing and depletion of vegetation, negatively impacting the entire ecosystem.
-
The absence of rabbits would mainly affect foxes and wolves since they are a food source, but it wouldn't have as wide-ranging an effect on the ecosystem overall compared to the absence of wolves.
-
The absence of deer would mainly affect wolves, but there are still other prey sources available.
-
The absence of foxes would mainly impact the wolves (as a food source) and wouldn't carry the same systemic impact on the ecosystem.
Therefore, removing wolves would disrupt the balance significantly, making their presence critical for ecosystem health.