Question

What happens to an ecosystem when the primary consumers disappear?(1 point) Responses 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. 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 increase. Both the producer and secondary consumer populations increase.

Answer 1

When primary consumers (herbivores) disappear from an ecosystem, the primary producers (plants) are no longer being consumed, which usually leads to an increase in their population due to reduced herbivory. On the other hand, secondary consumers (carnivores) that depend on primary consumers for food may experience a decrease in their population because their food source is diminished.

So, the correct response is: The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.