What happens to an ecosystem when the primary consumers disappear?

Question

The producer population increases, while the secondary consumer population decreases.
The producer population decreases, while the secondary consumer population increases.
Both the producer and secondary consumer populations decrease.
Both the producer and secondary consumer populations increase.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: Both the producer and secondary consumer populations decrease.

When primary consumers disappear from an ecosystem, it disrupts the food chain and can lead to a decrease in population sizes of both the producers and secondary consumers. Primary consumers play a crucial role in controlling the population sizes of producers, as well as providing energy for secondary consumers. Their absence can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem.