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.
A. fox
B. rabbit
C. wolf
D. deer
C. wolf
The absence of wolves in the ecosystem would have the greatest negative effect. Wolves play a key role in controlling the populations of both rabbits and deer, as they are predators of both. Without wolves, the populations of rabbits and deer could increase rapidly, leading to overgrazing of vegetation and potential habitat destruction. This could have cascading effects on other species in the ecosystem. Additionally, with the absence of wolves, the populations of foxes could increase uncontrollably, further disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.