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.

Question

Analyze the components of the ecosystem. What is the most likely outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes?

(1 point)
Responses

The deer population will decrease.
The deer population will decrease.

The trout population will decrease.
The trout population will decrease.

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

The deer population will increase.

Answer 1

The most likely outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes is that the deer population will increase.

Without the mountain lions to keep their numbers in check, the deer population would likely grow due to a lack of natural predators. This increase in the deer population could lead to overgrazing of willows, which would negatively affect the habitat for the mountain trout and potentially lead to a decrease in their population as well. However, the immediate and most direct consequence would be the increase in the deer population.