Question

14 multiple choice 1 point
what would you expect to happen to an ecosystem if a predator population was returned to an ecosystem after being extinct for many years?
the ecosystem would become more stable as biodiversity would increase as predators return herbivores to their carrying capacity.
the ecosystem would become less stable as predators eat prey until the prey is all gone.
the ecosystem would become more stable as biodiversity would decrease since predators reduce the numbers of herbivores.
the ecosystem would become more stable because their is now an invasive species to outcompete native species.

Explanation:

When a native predator is reintroduced after extinction, it controls herbivore populations by bringing them down to their natural carrying capacity. This prevents overgrazing/overconsumption of plants, which supports a more balanced, diverse ecosystem, increasing overall stability. The incorrect options are flawed: predators do not eliminate all prey, reduced herbivores support (not decrease) biodiversity, and the predator is native, not invasive.

Answer:

The ecosystem would become more stable as biodiversity would increase as predators return herbivores to their carrying capacity.