Question

in the biosphere, prey represent a food source for predators. an increase in the population of prey means more food for predators, which will dropdown the predators population. as a result, many more prey will be hunted, causing the prey population to dropdown. in response, the predator population will dropdown, resulting in an increase in the prey population. this entire cycle is an example of a dropdown feedback loop. relationship between prey and predator population chart with prey (red) and predator (blue) population curves; note: domestic cats are saturated predators who are not impacted by the decline of prey populations options (for dropdowns): increase, decrease, negative

Explanation:

1. First blank: More food for predators leads to an increase in their population. So "increase".
2. Second blank: More predators hunting means the prey population will decrease. So "decrease".
3. Third blank: When prey population decreases, predator population (due to less food) will decrease. So "decrease".
4. Fourth blank: This cycle (prey up → predator up → prey down → predator down → prey up...) is a negative feedback loop as it stabilizes the populations (opposing the initial change to bring balance). So "negative".

Answer:

First blank: increase
Second blank: decrease
Third blank: decrease
Fourth blank: negative