In a simple food chain, if the prey population increases, what is the expected effect on predator populations?

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Multiple Choice

In a simple food chain, if the prey population increases, what is the expected effect on predator populations?

Explanation:
More prey provides more energy for predators, improving their survival and enabling more offspring. When food is abundant, a larger share of the predator population survives and reproduction increases, so the number of predators grows. There’s usually a short time lag because it takes time for births to add up, but the trend is upward as long as prey remains plentiful. It wouldn’t stay the same or decline due to the extra food, and extinction isn’t expected unless prey remains scarce for an extended period.

More prey provides more energy for predators, improving their survival and enabling more offspring. When food is abundant, a larger share of the predator population survives and reproduction increases, so the number of predators grows. There’s usually a short time lag because it takes time for births to add up, but the trend is upward as long as prey remains plentiful. It wouldn’t stay the same or decline due to the extra food, and extinction isn’t expected unless prey remains scarce for an extended period.

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