Question

bats are often used as an indicator species, or a population or species of organisms used to measure the overall health of a specific environment. bats are chosen because they are often the top predators of many nocturnal insects and are extremely sensitive to environmental changes. scientists estimate that over 5.5 million bats have died since 2006. many of these bats died as a direct result of white nose syndrome (wns). wns is a fungal disease that affects bats during hibernation and often results in a high percentage of deaths in a colony during a single season. the map shows occurrences of wns in bats located in north america. how would the decline in bat populations disrupt the stability of the ecosystem they inhabit? a the ecosystem will become less stable as prey populations for the bat increase and predator populations of the bat decrease. b the ecosystem will become more stable as the overpopulated species of bat is removed from the environment. c the ecosystem will become less stable as the predator population for the bat finds new food sources causing a steady population increase. d the ecosystem will become more stable as an invasive species is removed from the environment.

Explanation:

Bats are top predators of nocturnal insects. If their population declines:

• Prey (nocturnal insects) population would increase as there are fewer predators.
• Predators of bats (if any) would have less food. A change in predator - prey relationships disrupts the balance of the ecosystem.

Answer:

A. The ecosystem will become less stable as prey populations for the bat increase and predator populations of the bat decrease.