Large-scale experiments conducted in oak forests of the northeastern United States linked bumper acorn crops to booming mouse populations. The conclusion from these experiments is that:
A) increased levels of first trophic level productivity cause an increase in disease vector activities.
B) competition can result in a more limited realized niche.
C) increased levels of first trophic level productivity cause a decrease in disease vector activities.
D) extermination of mouse populations is the most effective way of reducing Lyme disease transmission.
E) potential threat of Lyme disease in human beings is eliminated following a bumper crop of acorns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased levels of first trophic level productivity (such as a bumper crop of acorns) provide more resources for the primary consumers (mice, in this case). This can lead to an increase in mouse populations, which are known vectors for diseases such as Lyme disease, thereby potentially increasing disease vector activities.

Large-Scale Experiments Conducted in Oak Forests of the Northeastern United