Question
After a time, the rat population grew too large. To reduce the rat population, local farmers introduced cats, which are efficient predators of rats. The plan was successful, and the rat population began to decrease.
Which of the following populations will most likely decline as a result of decreased food availability?
A.
the snake population only
B.
the insect population only
C.
the rat population only
D.
the snake, rat, and insect populations
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The introduction of cats to reduce the rat population means that the rats will become less available as a food source for predators. As rats decline, the predators that rely on them for food may also decline due to a lack of resources.
Among the options given:
A. the snake population only - This is plausible since snakes may prey on rats.
B. the insect population only - This is unlikely; insects are not directly affected by rat populations.
C. the rat population only - The rat population is already declining due to predation and would not be the answer here.
D. the snake, rat, and insect populations - While the rat population will decline, the insect population may not necessarily decline as a result of the decrease in rats.
The most logical answer is **A. the snake population only** since snakes may rely on rats as part of their diet, and their population will most likely decline with fewer rats available.
Among the options given:
A. the snake population only - This is plausible since snakes may prey on rats.
B. the insect population only - This is unlikely; insects are not directly affected by rat populations.
C. the rat population only - The rat population is already declining due to predation and would not be the answer here.
D. the snake, rat, and insect populations - While the rat population will decline, the insect population may not necessarily decline as a result of the decrease in rats.
The most logical answer is **A. the snake population only** since snakes may rely on rats as part of their diet, and their population will most likely decline with fewer rats available.