A stream runs through a mountain forest.Willow trees grow on each side of the stream. A small

Question

deer populatior 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.
Analyze the components of the ecosystem .What would likely be an early outcome if the mountain
lion population vanishes?
(1 point)
The deer population will decrease the first winter.
The stream will become polluted within a few seasons.
The willow tree population will increase the next summer.
The rodent population will increase within a few months

Answer 1

If the mountain lion population vanishes, the most likely early outcome would be that the willow tree population will increase the next summer.

Here's the reasoning:

• Mountain lions are apex predators and help keep the deer population in check. Without mountain lions, the deer population would likely increase significantly since they would have fewer natural predators.
• An increase in the deer population would lead to more feeding on the willow trees, potentially causing overgrazing and affecting the health and reproduction of the willows.
• However, in the immediate aftermath of the mountain lions' disappearance, there would be less predation pressure on the deer, allowing their numbers to rise initially. Therefore, the willow tree population could experience an increase in the short term (next summer) due to reduced browsing pressure as deer populations have not yet surged dramatically.

The other options, such as the deer decreasing their population or the stream polluting, are less likely outcomes in the short term following the loss of an apex predator like the mountain lion.