Question

This food chain shows organisms in a forest ecosystem.
Use the food chain to complete the text below.
If the population of skunks increases, the population of pine voles will likely
increase
decrease
, and the population of gray foxes will likely
increase
decrease

Answer 1

If the population of skunks increases, the population of pine voles will likely **decrease**, and the population of gray foxes will likely **increase**.

This is because an increase in skunks would lead to higher predation on pine voles, reducing their numbers. Consequently, with fewer pine voles available, gray foxes may experience an increase in their population if they rely on pine voles as a food source.