If the population of freshwater snails decreases significantly, what is the most likely impact on the secondary consumers in the ecosystem?

Question

a
The secondary consumers will receive more energy from the sun.
b
The secondary consumers will switch to becoming primary consumers.
c
The secondary consumers will have less food available and may decrease in number.

Answer 1

The most likely impact on the secondary consumers in the ecosystem if the population of freshwater snails decreases significantly is:

c. The secondary consumers will have less food available and may decrease in number.

Secondary consumers rely on primary consumers (like freshwater snails) for their food. A decrease in the population of snails would lead to a reduction in available food for secondary consumers, which could result in a decline in their population as well.