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 population decrease

Both the producer and secondary consumer population increase

Answer 1

When primary consumers (herbivores) disappear from an ecosystem, the following generally occurs:

1. Producer Population Increases: With fewer primary consumers to eat them, the population of producers (plants and other photosynthetic organisms) is likely to increase. They will have more resources available since they are not being consumed.

2. Secondary Consumer Population Decreases: Secondary consumers (carnivores that eat primary consumers) will have less food available as their prey population diminishes. This can lead to a decrease in their population as they struggle to find enough food to survive and reproduce.

Based on these dynamics, the correct summary is:

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