In a certain ecosystem, field mice are preyed on by snakes and hawks. The entry of wild dogs into the system adds a third mouse predator. The most likely short-term result of this addition is
A) an increase in the snake population.
B) a tendency for hawks to prey on the dogs.
C) a reduction in numbers of mice.
D) migration of the hawks to another ecosystem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The addition of a third mouse predator (wild dogs) is likely to cause a reduction in the numbers of mice in the ecosystem due to increased predation pressure. The increased pressure on the mouse population may lead to decreased food availability for the existing predators (snakes and hawks) as well, which could potentially lead to a decrease in their populations. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the addition of wild dogs would cause an increase in the snake population or a tendency for hawks to prey on the dogs. There is also no reason to believe that the hawks would migrate to another ecosystem.

In a Certain Ecosystem, Field Mice Are Preyed on by Snakes