Figure 29.5

-Which of the following might be a result of adding a secondary consumer (a species that feeds on primary consumers)to the aquatic ecosystem illustrated above?
A)a decrease in the number of primary consumers
B)a decrease in the population of decomposers
C)an increase in atmospheric CO₂
D)an increase in the population of scavengers
E)a decrease in the carbon sink

Question

Figure 29.5
 
-Which of the following might be a result of adding a secondary consumer (a species that feeds on primary consumers)to the aquatic ecosystem illustrated above?
A)a decrease in the number of primary consumers 
B)a decrease in the population of decomposers 
C)an increase in atmospheric CO₂ 
D)an increase in the population of scavengers 
E)a decrease in the carbon sink

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adding a secondary consumer to the ecosystem will likely result in a decrease in the number of primary consumers, as they will be eaten by the secondary consumer. This will have a cascading effect on the ecosystem, potentially impacting other trophic levels as well. However, the addition of a secondary consumer is unlikely to directly impact decomposers, atmospheric CO₂, scavengers, or the carbon sink.

Figure 29.5 -Which of the Following Might Be a Result of Adding