A stream runs through a Mountain forest. willow trees grow on each side of the stream, a small deer population feeds on the willows. mountain trout rely on the willow shade for shelter. The Apex predator in the forest is a Mountain Lion.the Mountain Lion primarily eat deer, but also eat rodents and fish, as well as other prey species.
Analyze the components of the ecosystem. What is the most likely outcome is the mountain lion population vanishes?
The stream will become polluted.
The deer population will decrease.
The trout population will decrease.
A new predator species will begin eating deer.
If the mountain lion population vanishes, it is likely that the deer population will increase rapidly as there is no longer a predator to regulate their numbers. This could lead to overgrazing of the willow trees, leading to a decrease in their population. Without the willow trees providing shade and protection for the trout, their population could also decrease.
The absence of the mountain lion as the apex predator could also disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to the emergence of a new predator species that begins preying on the deer population. This could further impact the overall health and stability of the ecosystem.
Overall, the disappearance of the mountain lion population could have detrimental effects on the entire ecosystem, leading to decreases in wildlife populations and potentially disrupting the natural balance of the forest ecosystem.