Question

1. what are the primary consumers?
2. what are the producer(s)?
3. if the toad went extinct, which 2 organisms would be directly affected and why?
4. if a possum moved into the ecosystem and started to feed upon the toads, how would the skunks be affected?

Explanation:

1. Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers. They are usually herbivores.
2. Producers are organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis, like plants.
3. If the toad went extinct, the organisms that directly eat toads (predators) and the organisms that toads directly eat (prey) would be affected. For example, if snakes eat toads (predator - toad relationship) and insects are eaten by toads (toad - prey relationship), snakes would lose a food source and insects would have one less predator.
4. If a possum moved in and ate toads, the number of toads would decrease. If skunks also eat toads, skunks would face competition for food with possums and may have less toad - based food available, potentially leading to a decrease in skunk population or a change in their diet.

Answer:

1. Organisms that eat producers (usually herbivores).
2. Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis (like plants).
3. The predators of toads would lose a food source and the prey of toads would have one less predator.
4. Skunks may face competition for toad - based food and their population may decrease or diet may change.