A scientist is studying an ecosystem that has had its top predator removed and is trying to predict the future impact it will have on the ecosystem. The predator had a large home range. It ate large-sized secondary consumers, which have no other predators. The top predator also ate some small primary consumers, which breed quickly and several times a year. These prey organisms feed heavily on grasses and some brush.

Question

With this information in mind, what kind of impact can the scientist predict the removal of the organism will have, and why?(1 point)
Responses

Small impact because another animal will take the place of the top predator.
Small impact because another animal will take the place of the top predator.

Small impact because the producers and consumers will keep each other in check.
Small impact because the producers and consumers will keep each other in check.

Large impact because the primary and secondary producers will grow unchecked and then die out due to high rates of competition for resources.
Large impact because the primary and secondary producers will grow unchecked and then die out due to high rates of competition for resources.

Large impact because the secondary and primary consumers will explode in population size and decimate the grasses as a result.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Large impact because the secondary and primary consumers will explode in population size and decimate the grasses as a result.

Explanation: The removal of the top predator will lead to an increase in the populations of large secondary consumers and small primary consumers. Since the secondary consumers have no other predators, their population will also grow. The small primary consumers, which breed quickly, will be able to increase their numbers significantly without the predation pressure from the top predator. This sudden increase in both consumer populations is likely to result in overgrazing of the grasses and brush, leading to depletion of these primary producers. In turn, this can affect the entire ecosystem balance, potentially causing long-term harm to both the plant life and the overall habitat.