Question

in a forest ecosystem, the food web includes plants, insects, birds, snakes, and hawks. if all of the snakes were eliminated from the ecosystem, what would most likely happen to species diversity over time? a) species diversity would increase because hawks and birds would have more food. b) species diversity would decrease because the bird populations would grow too large, reducing insect populations. c) species diversity would remain the same because only one species was removed. d) species diversity would increase because removing predators always benefits ecosystems.

Explanation:

Snakes pre - date on birds. Without snakes, bird populations would grow. Birds eat insects. A large bird population would over - hunt insects, disrupting the food web and reducing species diversity.

Answer:

B. Species diversity would decrease because the bird populations would grow too large, reducing insect populations.