Question

how would the decrease in grassland herbivore populations most likely affect the transfer of energy in the ecosystem? select two that apply.
more energy will move to herbivores because they will eat more plants.
less energy will move to predators because fewer herbivores are available as food.
less energy will move to predators because they must spend more time searching for food.
more energy will move to herbivores because drought makes plants easier to eat.
more energy will move to decomposers because more plant materials are left uneaten.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze each option

• Option 1: If herbivore populations decrease, they won't eat more plants. So, this option is incorrect.
• Option 2: Fewer herbivores mean less food for predators. So, less energy moves to predators. This option is correct.
• Option 3: The reason given (spending more time searching) is not related to the decrease in herbivore populations. So, this option is incorrect.
• Option 4: There is no mention of drought in the problem. So, this option is incorrect.
• Option 5: With fewer herbivores eating plants, more plant materials are left uneaten. Decomposers break down dead plant material. So, more energy moves to decomposers. This option is correct.

Answer:

• B. Less energy will move to predators because fewer herbivores are available as food.
• E. More energy will move to decomposers because more plant materials are left uneaten.