Question

1. if the population of an herbivore species doubles, what effects are most likely in food web? select two correct answers.

a. producer populations will decrease due to overgrazing.
b. decomposer populations will remain stable.
c. energy flow to apex predators will decrease over time.
d. biodiversity will remain stable as more species compete.
e. secondary consumer

Explanation:

• For option A: Herbivores feed directly on producers. A doubled herbivore population will consume far more producers, leading to a decrease in producer numbers from overgrazing.
• For option C: Apex predators prey on herbivores (or consumers that eat herbivores). A larger herbivore population initially provides more food, but over time, the overconsumption of producers will reduce the herbivore population, leading to less energy available to move up the food web to apex predators.
• Option B is incorrect: More herbivore waste and dead individuals will increase resources for decomposers, so their populations would likely rise, not stay stable.
• Option E is incorrect: A large herbivore population disrupting producer levels will likely reduce biodiversity due to resource scarcity, not keep it stable.
• Option D is cut off but is not a correct choice based on the valid options.

Answer:

A. Producer populations will decrease due to overgrazing.
C. Energy flow to apex predators will decrease over time.