Examine the photo below of a very basic food web. In 2-3 sentences, describe what would happen to this ecosystem if the organisms indicated by the circle and arrow did not exist.
Grading Considerations:
Your answer should include the name of the group of organisms circled and what their job/role is in a food web
Your answer should include an explanation of the effects it would have on the ecosystem if those organisms did not exist. In other words, why are they so important?
Your answer should be in 2-3 sentences. In an effort to combat plagiarism, answers longer than 4 sentences will not be considered. Answering concisely and to the point is evidence for your understanding of the topic.
(2 points)
1 answer
If the organisms indicated by the circle and arrow (fish) did not exist in this ecosystem, there would be a ripple effect throughout the food web. Without fish to prey on zooplankton, the population of zooplankton would increase dramatically, leading to a decrease in phytoplankton. This decrease in phytoplankton would have a negative impact on the entire food web, as phytoplankton is the base of the food chain and provides food for many other organisms.