If a primary consumer population decreases significantly in a freshwater ecosystem, what is the most likely immediate impact on the secondary consumers?

Question

a
They will decrease in number due to a lack of food.
b
They will increase in number due to less competition.
c
They will migrate to find new food sources.

Answer 1

The most likely immediate impact on the secondary consumers if a primary consumer population decreases significantly in a freshwater ecosystem would be:

a. They will decrease in number due to a lack of food.

Primary consumers are typically the main food source for secondary consumers. If the primary consumers decline, this reduces the available food supply for secondary consumers, leading to a decrease in their population as well.