Question

question 8 of 10
answer the question about the food web shown below:
what will most likely happen if the population of poison dart frogs drops due
to a virus?
a. the boa constrictors will need to eat more sloths.
b. the fruit bat population will increase suddenly.
c. the sloths will start eating more figs.
d. there will be more beetles available for other organisms

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the food web

In the food web, boa constrictors have multiple food sources including poison dart frogs.

Step2: Consider the impact of frog population drop

If the poison dart frog population drops (due to virus), boa constrictors, which rely on them as a food source, will need to compensate. Since sloths are another food source for boa constrictors in the web, they will likely eat more sloths.

Step3: Eliminate other options

• Option B: Fruit bat population is not directly linked to poison dart frog population in a way that would cause a sudden increase.
• Option C: Sloths' diet (strangler fig) is not affected by poison dart frog population change.
• Option D: Beetles' availability for other organisms is not directly related to the drop in poison dart frog population.

Answer:

A. The boa constrictors will need to eat more sloths.