Question

1. local hunters manage to trap or kill 95% of the feral hogs that live in this ecosystem. describe the chain of effects this will have on the local ecosystem, including populations of other species.

if ____________________ then ____________________
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if ____________________ then ____________________
______________________

Explanation:

1. First, feral hogs (a consumer) are reduced. Their prey (plants, small animals) will have less predation. So: If 95% of feral hogs are removed, then populations of their prey (e.g., acorns, small rodents) will increase due to reduced predation.
2. Next, the increase in prey affects their predators or competitors. For example, plants' competitors (other herbivores) or predators of the small animals. So: If prey populations (e.g., small rodents) increase, then their predators (e.g., foxes) may increase due to more food.

Answer:

If 95% of feral hogs are trapped/killed, then populations of their prey (e.g., plants they eat, small mammals they prey on) will increase as predation pressure decreases.
If prey populations (e.g., small rodents) increase, then populations of their predators (e.g., foxes, hawks) may rise due to increased food availability.