A stream runs through a mountain forest. Willow trees grow on each side of the stream. A small deer population feeds on the willows. Mountain trout rely on the willow shade for shelter. The apex predator in the forest is the mountain lion. The mountain lions primarily eat deer, but also eat rodents, and fish, as well as other prey species.
Analyze the components of the ecosystem. What is the most likely outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes?
The stream will become polluted
A new predator species will begin eating deer
The trout population will decrease
The deer population will decrease
1 answer
If the mountain lion population vanishes, the most likely outcome is that the deer population will increase. Without the presence of their main predator, the deer population will grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing of the willow trees along the stream. This could result in a decrease in the willow population, which in turn could impact the trout population as they rely on the willow shade for shelter. The increase in the deer population may also have negative effects on other plant and animal species in the ecosystem. Overall, the disappearance of the mountain lion population could disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and lead to cascading effects on multiple species.