What happens to the other organisms in an ecosystem if a predator disappears?
If a predator disappears from an ecosystem, it can have a significant impact on the other organisms in the ecosystem. Without the predator, the population of its prey may increase, which can lead to a decrease in the population of the prey's food source. This can cause a chain reaction throughout the ecosystem, affecting the populations of other organisms that rely on the prey or the predator for survival.
For example, if a predator such as a lion disappears from an ecosystem, the population of its prey, such as zebras or gazelles, may increase. This increase in prey population can lead to overgrazing of vegetation, which can negatively impact other herbivores in the ecosystem. Additionally, the increase in prey population can attract other predators to the area, which can further impact the ecosystem.
Overall, the disappearance of a predator can have far-reaching effects on the balance of an ecosystem and the populations of other organisms within it.