Question

This food chain shows organisms in a hot desert ecosystem.
Use the food chain to complete the text below.
If the population of western diamondback rattlesnakes increases, the population of grasshopper mice will likely
increase
decrease
, and the population of red-tailed hawks will likely
increase
decrease
.

Answer 1

If the population of western diamondback rattlesnakes increases, the population of grasshopper mice will likely **decrease**, and the population of red-tailed hawks will likely **increase**.

This is because an increase in rattlesnake population would lead to higher predation on grasshopper mice, causing their numbers to decline. As a result, since red-tailed hawks prey on rattlesnakes, their population could increase due to the greater availability of food.