Refer to the figure. Based on information in the figure, the best conclusion that can be drawn about the effect of removing a top predator from an ecosystem is that the removal will cause
A) more species to decline than to increase.
B) more species to increase than to decline.
C) changes in food web structure that vary with the ecosystem.
D) greater changes to food webs where the predator has been gone longer.
E) food web changes that always involve primary producers.

Question

Refer to the figure.  Based on information in the figure, the best conclusion that can be drawn about the effect of removing a top predator from an ecosystem is that the removal will cause
A) more species to decline than to increase. 
B) more species to increase than to decline. 
C) changes in food web structure that vary with the ecosystem. 
D) greater changes to food webs where the predator has been gone longer. 
E) food web changes that always involve primary producers.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows that removing a top predator from an ecosystem can cause changes in the food web structure, which will vary with the ecosystem. Therefore, Option C is the best conclusion that can be drawn about the effect of removing a top predator from an ecosystem. There is no clear evidence or data in the figure to support Options A, B, D, or E.

Refer to the Figure