Which of the following might be a result of adding a secondary consumer to the aquatic ecosystem in the accompanying illustration?
A) a decrease in the number of primary consumers
B) a decrease in the population of decomposers
C) an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide
D) an increase in the population of scavengers
E) a decrease in the carbon sink

Question

Which of the following might be a result of adding a secondary consumer to the aquatic ecosystem in the accompanying illustration?
A) a decrease in the number of primary consumers 
B) a decrease in the population of decomposers 
C) an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide 
D) an increase in the population of scavengers 
E) a decrease in the carbon sink

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adding a secondary consumer would likely decrease the population of primary consumers as they are being consumed by the new predator. This would have a cascading effect on the ecosystem, potentially leading to changes in the populations of other organisms as well. However, adding a secondary consumer would not directly impact the population of decomposers, atmospheric carbon dioxide, scavengers, or the carbon sink.

Which of the Following Might Be a Result of Adding