Question

select the correct answer.
unwanted dumping of chemicals has caused pollution in a particular region, leading to a decrease in the number of insects. bluebirds feed on these insects, and bigger birds prey on the bluebirds. what effect would this situation likely have on the population of the bluebirds and their predators?
a. the population of bluebirds will decrease, but the number of predators will increase.
b. the population of bluebirds will increase, but the number of predators will decrease.
c. the population of bluebirds and the number of predators will increase.
d. the population of bluebirds will decrease, leading to an eventual decrease in the number of predators.
e. the population of bluebirds and the number of predators will not be affected.
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Explanation:

When there is a decrease in the number of insects (prey for bluebirds), the bluebird population (which depends on insects as food) will decrease. Since bigger birds prey on bluebirds (bluebirds are prey for bigger birds), with fewer bluebirds (prey), the number of predators (bigger birds) that rely on bluebirds as a food source will also decrease.

Answer:

B. The population of bluebirds will decrease, but the number of predators will decrease