Question

multiple choice 1 point
in a temperate grassland ecosystem, a long - term drought causes a significant decline in the population of grasses. as a result, the population of grasshoppers also
decreases. which of the following outcomes best explains how this change could affect the stability of the ecosystems food web?
the populations of secondary consumers, such as snakes, would likely decrease due to reduced food availability.
the populations of decomposers, such as fungi, would increase because more plant material would be available for decay.
the populations of primary consumers, such as rabbits, would remain stable because they are not affected by grass availability.
the populations of tertiary consumers, such as hawks, would increase because they have fewer predators.

Explanation:

In a temperate grassland ecosystem, when there is a long - term drought causing a decline in grass populations (primary producers), grasshoppers (primary consumers) would have less food. Secondary consumers (like snakes) that rely on primary consumers (grasshoppers) for food would then have reduced food availability. Decomposers depend on dead plant and animal matter. With less grass (plant material), there is less for them to decompose. Tertiary consumers (like hawks) that rely on secondary consumers (snakes) would also be affected.

Answer:

The populations of secondary consumers, such as snakes, would likely decrease due to reduced food availability.