Question

A marine ecosystem off the California coast consists of leatherback turtles that feed on jellyfish, and killer whales that prey on the leatherback turtles. Habitat loss and fishing have been identified as the main reasons for the reduced numbers of leatherback turtles, who are on the verge of being declared an endangered species. What would be the first effect on the ecosystem if habitat loss and fishing continue unchecked?

Answer 1

The population of jellyfish would increase and the population of killer whales would decrease

Answer 2

Answer:

If habitat loss and fishing continue unchecked then the leatherback turtles would become extinct soon.

The extinction of a species would affect the entire food chain, that is, it would affect the organism present at a lower trophic level as well as the organisms present at the higher trophic level.

Similarly, the extinction of leatherback turtle affects both jellyfish as well as killer whales.  

The population of jellyfish would increase in absence of their predator.

In contrast, the population of killer whales would decrease due to absence or decrease in their prey or food.