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? (1 point) Responses The stream will become polluted. The stream will become polluted. The deer population will decrease. The deer population will decrease. The trout population will decrease. The trout population will decrease. A new predator species will begin eating deer.
1 answer
The most likely outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes is that the deer population will increase. With no natural predator to control their numbers, the deer population will likely overgraze the willow trees along the stream, leading to a decrease in habitat for other species such as the trout. This could potentially disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and lead to negative consequences for other species in the forest.