Imagine that an ecosystem contains rabbits, foxes, wolves, and deer. The following predator-prey relationships exist:Rabbits are eaten by foxes and wolvesDeer are eaten by wolvesFoxes are eaten by wolvesSelect the animal whose absence would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem.(1 point)Responsesrabbitrabbitdeerdeerfoxfoxwolf
The absence of wolves would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem. This is because wolves are at the top of the food chain in this ecosystem and play a crucial role in controlling the populations of rabbits, foxes, and deer. Without wolves, the populations of rabbits and foxes could increase rapidly, leading to overgrazing and potential extinction of certain plant species. Additionally, the absence of wolves could also lead to an overpopulation of deer, causing damage to the ecosystem through overgrazing and competition for resources. Wolves help maintain a balance in the ecosystem by regulating the populations of other species.
