Question

examine the two food webs. use a highlighter to identify all the organisms that would be affected if the python was removed.
ecosystem a

Explanation:

1. First, identify the python's prey: the bat, goat, hare, and small rodent (these organisms are no longer predated by the python, so their populations will likely increase).
2. Next, identify the python's predators: the fox and eagle (these organisms lose a food source, so their populations may decrease or they will rely more heavily on other prey).
3. Then, trace the effects of the prey population increases: the plants (cactus, bushes, trees, small green plants) eaten by the bat, goat, hare, and rodent will face more grazing/browsing pressure, so their populations may decrease.
4. Also, other predators of the python's prey (owl, scorpion) will face more competition for food, so their populations may be affected negatively.

Answer:

The affected organisms are:

• Prey of the python (population increase): Bat, Goat, Hare, Small rodent
• Predators of the python (population risk decrease): Fox, Eagle
• Food sources of python's prey (population risk decrease): Cactus, Bushes, Trees, Small green plants
• Competitors of the python (population risk decrease): Owl, Scorpion