Question
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
fox
fox
deer
deer
wolf
wolf
rabbit
rabbit
Skip to navigation
wolf
Explanation: The absence of wolves in the ecosystem would have the greatest negative effect as they are the top predators and play a crucial role in controlling the populations of the other animals. Without wolves, the populations of rabbits and deer would likely increase dramatically, leading to overgrazing and a collapse of the ecosystem. Additionally, without wolves, the population of foxes would also increase, further disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.