Question

question 1 of 10
which statement describes the most likely effect of removing a predator that is a keystone species from an ecosystem?
a. the decrease in predators will cause the prey populations to decrease sharply, causing the ecosystem to become unstable.
b. the decrease in the keystone predator will result in a new predator taking its place to make the ecosystem more stable.
c. the decrease in predators will cause prey populations to increase rapidly, disrupting both biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem.
d. the decrease in the predator population will cause irreversible changes to the prey population, which will become stable.

Explanation:

A keystone - species predator controls prey populations. Removing it leads to prey population growth, which can disrupt the ecosystem's biotic and abiotic factors.

Answer:

C. The decrease in predators will cause prey populations to increase rapidly, disrupting both biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem.