Question

the forest ecosystem is experiencing climate change. the amount of annual rainfall has decreased. what effect will this change in rainfall have?
a trees will have less water to produce food, decreasing the energy available for deer.
b trees will have less water to produce food, increasing the energy available for mountain lions.
c the change will have no long - term effect because trees can quickly react to changes in their environment.
d the change will have no long - term effect because trees produce food without using water.

Explanation:

Plants (trees) need water for photosynthesis (producing food). Less water means less food (energy) production. In a forest ecosystem food chain, deer (herbivores) eat plants. If plants produce less food (due to less water), there is less energy available for deer. Mountain lions (carnivores) that eat deer would also be affected negatively (not positively as in option B). Trees cannot quickly react to long - term rainfall decrease (so option C is wrong) and trees do need water for photosynthesis (so option D is wrong).

Answer:

A. Trees will have less water to produce food, decreasing the energy available for deer.