Question

Modest Disturbances in Ecosystems Quick Check
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Question
In a certain forest ecosystem, there are lions who prey on deer. The deer eat grass. Which of the following would be the consequences of the deer population increasing? (1 point)
Responses

The lion population would stay the same.
The lion population would stay the same.

The plant population would increase.
The plant population would increase.

The plant population would decrease.
The plant population would decrease.

The lion population would decrease.
The lion population would decrease.
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Answer 1

If the deer population increases, the most likely consequence would be that the plant population (grass) would decrease, as more deer would mean more grazing on the grass. Additionally, an increase in the deer population could eventually lead to a decrease in the lion population, as their prey would be more abundant initially, but if the plants are diminished, it could lead to issues down the line.

Therefore, the most direct consequence of the deer population increasing is:

**The plant population would decrease.**