The population of mice in a local forest ecosystem has recently died out due to disease. In the past, these mice were the main predators of the forest beetles.

Question

What is the best prediction about what will happen to the beetles?
Responses

A The drop in the mouse population will lead to a drop in the beetle population.The drop in the mouse population will lead to a drop in the beetle population.

B The drop in the mouse population will lead to no change in the beetle population.The drop in the mouse population will lead to no change in the beetle population.

C The drop in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.The drop in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.

D The increase in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.The increase in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.

Answer 1

The best prediction about what will happen to the beetles in light of the information provided is:

C. The drop in the mouse population will lead to an increase in the beetle population.

Since the mice were the main predators of the beetles, their extinction would likely lead to a reduction in predation pressure on the beetles, allowing their population to increase.