Small-, medium-, and large-sized crickets live in an environment. A bird in the area feeds on these crickets. The large crickets are too large to be consumed, and the small crickets are able to hide from predators more easily.

Question

 
What will ,begin emphasis,most,end emphasis, likely happen to the populations of medium-sized crickets over time? Complete the table by selecting ,begin emphasis,one,end emphasis, prediction and ,begin emphasis,two,end emphasis, reasons.
Response area with 2 blank spaces
Prediction 
Blank space 1 empty
,begin bold,Reason,end bold,
Blank space 2 empty

 
Answer options with 7 options.

Answer 1

Prediction: The population of medium-sized crickets will likely decrease over time.

Reason 1: Medium-sized crickets are more vulnerable to predation compared to both small crickets, which can hide easily, and large crickets, which are too big for the bird to consume.

Reason 2: As the bird continues to feed on the medium-sized crickets, their population will be continually reduced, leading to a decreased reproductive rate and potentially causing a decline in their numbers over time.