16. 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 the mountain lion. The mountain lions primarily eat deer, but also eat rodents, and fish, as well as other prey species.

Question

16. 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 the mountain lion. The mountain lions 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 if the mountain lion population vanishes?

(1 point)
Responses

The trout population will decrease.
The trout population will decrease.

The deer population will decrease.
The deer population will decrease.

A new predator species will begin eating deer.
A new predator species will begin eating deer.

The stream will become polluted.

Answer 1

The most likely outcome if the mountain lion population vanishes is that the deer population will increase. Without the presence of the mountain lion as a predator, the deer population will likely grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing and depletion of the willow trees. This would result in a decrease in the food and shelter available for the trout population. Additionally, without the regulation of the deer population, other potential predator species might not be incentivized to begin hunting deer. The stream becoming polluted is not a direct result of the mountain lion population vanishing and would depend on other factors.