Question

in an ecosystem where a new type of insect is introduced. this insect feeds on a specific type of plant which is a key food source for the local deer population. if the insect population grows rapidly, what is the most likely long - term outcome for the entire ecosystem, and why? a the deer population will increase because the new insect provides a new food source, leading to a healthier ecosystem. b the deer population will decrease due to a lack of food, which will then cause a decrease in their predators, illustrating a cascade effect throughout the food web. c the insect will be quickly eliminated by predators, and the ecosystem will return to its original state. d the tree population will be unaffected because the forests abiotic factors will remain stable.

Explanation:

The new insect feeds on a key food source for deer. As the insect population grows rapidly, the deer will have less food available, leading to a decrease in the deer population due to lack of food. This can also have a cascading effect on other parts of the food - web, such as a decrease in their predators due to less prey.

Answer:

b. The deer population will decrease due to a lack of food, which will then cause a decrease in their predators, illustrating a cascade effect throughout the food web.