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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.

If the mountain lion population vanishes, the most likely outcome is that the deer population will increase. With no natural predator to keep their numbers in check, the deer population will likely overgraze the willow trees, leading to a decrease in the vegetation available for the trout to seek shelter in. This could result in a decrease in the trout population as well. Additionally, the absence of mountain lions could disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem, potentially leading to an increase in the population of other predator species that would compete for resources with the deer. Overall, the ecosystem would likely become imbalanced and face risks of overpopulation and resource depletion.

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)

The trout population will decrease.
The deer population will decrease.
A new predator species will begin eating deer.
The stream will become polluted.

If the mountain lion population vanishes, the most likely outcome is that the deer population will increase. With the absence of their main predator, the deer population will likely grow rapidly which could lead to overgrazing of the willow trees. This overgrazing could result in habitat loss for the trout, potentially causing a decrease in their population due to lack of shelter and resources. The absence of the mountain lion could disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem and lead to negative consequences for the other species in the ecosystem.