What happens to an ecosystem when the primary consumers disappear?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Both the producer and secondary consumer populations increase.
Both the producer and secondary consumer populations increase.

The producer population decreases, while the secondary consumer population increases.
The producer population decreases, while the secondary consumer population increases.

The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.
The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.

Both the producer and secondary consumer populations decrease.
Both the producer and secondary consumer populations decrease.

Answer 1

When primary consumers disappear from an ecosystem, the dynamics are affected as follows:

• Producers (plants) would likely increase in population because there would be fewer herbivores to consume them.
• Secondary consumers (carnivores) would likely decrease in population because they rely on primary consumers as a food source. With the primary consumers gone, their food supply is also diminished.

Therefore, the correct response is: The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.