Question

Suppose a predator species became extinct over a short period of time. Which of the following would most likely happen to that predator’s prey species in the short term?
a.
They will increase in numbers.
b.
Their numbers will decrease significantly.
c.
They will become extinct as well.
d.
There will be no change in the prey species.


Please select the best answer from the choices provided

A
B
C
D

Answer 1

A — They will increase in numbers. With the predator gone, predation mortality drops, so the prey population typically rises in the short term.