Question

1. as a town near this ecosystem continues to grow, the people decide to redirect the flow of the local creeks to make way for new areas to develop housing for the growing population of people. this causes the frogs to lose their natural habitat. describe the chain of effects this will have on the local ecosystem, including populations of other species. if the town’s development affects local species’ food chain, then ____ will __ if __ then ____ the pigs, now feral hogs,

Explanation:

1. Frogs' Predators: Frogs are prey for birds/snakes. With fewer frogs, these predators lose a food source, so their populations may decline due to reduced food availability.
2. Insects (Frogs' Prey): Frogs eat insects like mosquitoes. Fewer frogs mean insect populations (e.g., mosquitoes) could rise, as their main predator is reduced.
3. Plants (Insects' Food): Insects (e.g., herbivores) eat plants. More insects lead to increased plant consumption, so plant populations (e.g., aquatic plants frogs relied on) may decrease.

Answer:

• If the town’s development reduces frogs’ habitat, then frog populations will decline.
• If frog populations decline, then populations of their predators (e.g., birds, snakes) may decrease (due to less food).
• If frog populations decline, then populations of their prey (e.g., insects like mosquitoes) may increase (due to reduced predation).
• If insect populations increase, then populations of plants they eat (e.g., aquatic vegetation) may decrease (due to overgrazing).