If the numbers of a predatory Orca whale can determine the abundances of an abalone despite the fact that Orcas don't prey on abalone we would call that a/an ________
A) Indirect effect
B) Direct effect
C) Food web effect
D) Mesopredator effect

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is an example of an indirect effect, where the presence or absence of one species can have an impact on another species through a chain of interactions in the food web. In this case, the predatory Orca whale is affecting the abundance of another predator that competes with abalone for resources, leading to indirect effects on the abalone population.

If the Numbers of a Predatory Orca Whale Can Determine