A new predator is introduced into the ecosystem shown in the food web below. This predator feeds on bees and mice. How will this most likely affect the species in this ecosystem?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

There will be a decrease in bees and mice which will cause an increase the black bear population and a decrease in the fox population.
There will be a decrease in bees and mice which will cause an increase the black bear population and a decrease in the fox population.

There will be an increase in bees and mice which will cause an increase in the populations of both black bears and foxes.
There will be an increase in bees and mice which will cause an increase in the populations of both black bears and foxes.

There will be an increase in bees and mice which will cause a decrease in the black bear population and an increase in the fox population.
There will be an increase in bees and mice which will cause a decrease in the black bear population and an increase in the fox population.

There will be a decrease in bees and mice which will cause a decrease in the populations of both black bears and foxes.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

There will be a decrease in bees and mice which will cause a decrease in the populations of both black bears and foxes.

This response is appropriate because the introduction of a new predator that preys on bees and mice will reduce their populations. As a consequence, species that depend on bees and mice as food sources, such as black bears and foxes, will likely experience a decline in their populations due to the reduced availability of prey.