Owls and mice have a predator/prey relationship. Owls are the predators, and mice are the prey.

What happens to the mouse population when there is a decrease in the owl population?

(1 point)
Responses

It increases because fewer mice are eaten by owls.
It increases because fewer mice are eaten by owls.

It decreases because there is less food available for mice.
It decreases because there is less food available for mice.

It increases because there is more food available for mice.
It increases because there is more food available for mice.

It decreases because mice would not be eaten as owl food.

It increases because fewer mice are eaten by owls.

It increases because there is less predation pressure on the mouse population.

The correct answer is: It increases because there is more food available for mice.

When there is a decrease in the owl population, fewer mice are being consumed by owls. As a result, the mouse population is likely to experience an increase. This is because there is now more food available for the mice, as they are not being hunted and eaten by owls as frequently. The decrease in owl predation allows for more mice to survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in their population.