Imagine that an ecosystem contains rabbits, foxes, wolves, and deer. The following predator-prey relationships exist:
Rabbits are eaten by foxes and wolves
Deer are eaten by wolves
Foxes are eaten by wolves
Select the animal whose absence would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem.
(1 point)
Responses
rabbit
rabbit
fox
fox
wolf
wolf
deer
wolf
If wolves were absent from the ecosystem, there would be an overpopulation of both foxes and rabbits. The foxes would prey on the rabbits leading to a decrease in their population. This could lead to a decrease in vegetation due to overgrazing by the rabbits, affecting the overall balance of the ecosystem. Additionally, without wolves to control the deer population, there could be negative effects on vegetation and other species in the ecosystem. Therefore, the absence of wolves would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem.