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 trout population will decrease.
The trout population will decrease.

The deer population will increase.
The deer population will increase.

The stream will become polluted.
The stream will become polluted.

The deer population will decrease.

1 answer

The most likely outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes is:

The deer population will increase.

Without mountain lions to regulate their numbers, the deer population would likely experience significant growth due to the lack of predation. This increase in deer could lead to overgrazing on the willows, which could eventually affect the habitat and food supply for the trout and other species in the ecosystem.