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.
The animal whose absence would have the greatest negative effect on the ecosystem is the wolf. Wolves play a crucial role in controlling the populations of both rabbits and deer, as well as foxes. Without wolves, the populations of rabbits, foxes, and deer could grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing, competition for resources, and potential ecosystem imbalances.
