Question

examine the elephant in the screenshot of a serengeti sage model. which statement best explains how ecosystems are resilient in response to a disturbance? as part of the ivory trade, the african elephant was killed for its tusks. the population of african elephants decreased from 26 million in the 1800s to just 415,000 today. based on this change to the elephant population, what do you predict would happen to the acacia trees, the ants, and other plants? the acacia trees would increase, the ants would increase, and the other plants would increase as well. acacia trees increase, ants increase, and grasses and other plants decrease. acacia trees decrease, ants increase, and grasses and other plants increase. the acacia trees increase, ants decrease, and grasses and other plants decrease.

Explanation:

African elephants feed on acacia trees, so a massive drop in elephant populations would allow acacia tree numbers to increase. Acacia trees have a mutualistic relationship with ants (ants live in/on acacias and get resources from them), so more acacias mean more ants. The increased acacia trees would outcompete grasses and other smaller plants for resources like sunlight, water, and soil nutrients, causing those plants to decrease.

Answer:

Acacia trees increase, ants increase, and grasses and other plants decrease.