Asked by bob

A recent study has shown an increase in the number of predators in an ecosystem. Which of the following is a possible cause for the growth?
a.
A decrease in the population of prey it feeds on.
b.
An increase in the population of prey it feeds on
c.
A decrease in the biodiversity of the ecosystem
d.
An increase in the number of predators that feed on it

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Answer: b. An increase in the population of prey it feeds on.

Reason: More prey provides more food and better survival/reproduction for the predator, so predator numbers can rise.
Why the others are unlikely:
- (a) A decrease in prey would usually reduce predator numbers.
- (c) A decrease in biodiversity typically reduces available resources and can harm predator populations, not directly cause growth.
- (d) An increase in predators that feed on it would increase mortality of the predator, making growth unlikely.