Question

Ecosystems usually become balanced by natural controls, including natural selection. A balanced ecosystem is one in which _____.

the last organism on the food chain must outnumber the first organism on the food chain.
the first organism on the food chain must outnumber the subsequent organisms on the food chain.
there are an equal number of organisms at all levels of the food chain.

Answer 1

A balanced ecosystem is one in which **the first organism on the food chain must outnumber the subsequent organisms on the food chain.** This reflects the typical structure of food chains and food webs, where primary producers (like plants) are more abundant than the herbivores that consume them, and herbivores are more numerous than the predators that feed on them. This relationship helps maintain stability and balance within the ecosystem.