Question

name:grade 8 scienceteks: 8.12adate:february 9, 2026acceleratedlo: swbat explain how changes in population sizes affect the flow of energy in food webs.1. a population of primary consumers, such as deer, decreases significantly in a forest ecosystem. which of the following is the most likely long-term effect on carnivore and producer populations?a. carnivore populations will decrease due to reduced energy flow, while producer populations will increase due to less grazing pressure.b. carnivore populations will increase due to less competition, and producer populations will decrease due to overgrazing.c. carnivore populations will remain stable, and producer populations will increase due to energy recycling.d. carnivore populations will decrease due to reduced prey availability, and producer populations will remain stable.

Explanation:

Primary consumers (deer) eat producers (plants) and are prey for carnivores. A large drop in deer means carnivores have less prey, so their populations will decrease long-term due to reduced energy flow up the food web. With fewer deer grazing, producer populations will increase as grazing pressure is lowered.

Answer:

A. Carnivore populations will decrease due to reduced energy flow, while producer populations will increase due to less grazing pressure.