In a marsh ecosystem, alligators feed on blue crabs. Blue crabs feed on saltmeadow grass, shrimp, and detritus. What would most likely happen to the food web if there were a sudden decrease in the number of blue crabs?Group of answer choicesThe populations of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would remain the same while the population of alligators would increase.The population of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would decrease while the population of alligators would increase.The populations of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would increase while the population of alligators would decrease.None of the above
Question
In a marsh ecosystem, alligators feed on blue crabs. Blue crabs feed on saltmeadow grass, shrimp, and detritus. What would most likely happen to the food web if there were a sudden decrease in the number of blue crabs?Group of answer choicesThe populations of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would remain the same while the population of alligators would increase.The population of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would decrease while the population of alligators would increase.The populations of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would increase while the population of alligators would decrease.None of the above
Solution
The most likely outcome of a sudden decrease in the number of blue crabs in a marsh ecosystem would be that the populations of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would increase while the population of alligators would decrease.
Here's why:
-
Blue crabs feed on saltmeadow grass, shrimp, and detritus. If their numbers decrease, there would be less predation on the shrimp and saltmeadow grass, leading to an increase in their populations.
-
Alligators feed on blue crabs. If the number of blue crabs decreases, alligators would have less food available. This could lead to a decrease in the alligator population due to starvation or forcing the alligators to switch to other food sources, if available.
So, the correct answer is "The populations of shrimp and saltmeadow grass would increase while the population of alligators would decrease."
Similar Questions
The diagram below shows a food web for an ocean ecosystem.How would an increasing shark population most likely affect this ecosystem? A. The algae population would decrease. B. The limpet population would decrease. C. The seagull population would decrease. D. The octopus population would decrease.
hich of the following is most likely to cause the greatest increase in the corvina population?*2 puntosA decline in the algae populationAn increase in the population of anchoviesA decline in the population of blue fishA decline in crab population
Suppose that scientific research reported that the cod population was reduced in the ecosystem represented by the food web.What result would be most likely over time?Group of answer choicesThe penguin population may decrease.The leopard seal population may decrease.The photosynthetic plankton population may decrease.The krill and zooplankton populations may decrease.
Select all the correct answers.The following image is a food web in an aquatic ecosystem. What two possible consequences will an increased population of water fleas lead to? decreased producers decreased primary consumers decreased secondary consumers increased producers increased secondary consumers
What would be the most likely effect if several species of carnivores were removed from an ecosystem?*2 puntosAn increase in plant lifeA decrease in the number of natural disastersAn increase in species diversityA decrease in community stability
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.