Question

in an experiment, scientists remove wolves (a keystone species) from a forest. which long - term effect is most likely? energy flow in the food web is unaffected. the carrying capacity for prey species decreases, but biodiversity remains stable. biodiversity increases because prey species flourish. biodiversity decreases as prey overpopulate and reduce plant life.

Explanation:

Keystone species like wolves play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Removing them would likely disrupt the food web. When wolves (predators) are removed, prey species would overpopulate. Overpopulation of prey would lead to over - consumption of plant life (as prey feed on plants). This over - consumption would reduce plant diversity and availability, which in turn would affect other species that depend on those plants (for food, shelter etc.). As a result, biodiversity would decrease.

Answer:

Biodiversity decreases as prey overpopulate and reduce plant life.