Question

If the population of hawks in this area increases, their prey populations might decrease. Later, with fewer prey, the hawk population might decrease. The prey populations might then increase. This is an example of

Answer 1

Answer:

This question lacks options, the options are:

1. an ecosystem completely out of balance

2. how ecosystems maintain stability over time

3. interaction between biotic and abiotic factors within an ecosystem

4. ecological succession

The answer is 2

Explanation:

An ecosystem comprises of biotic organisms, abiotic substances etc. that interact with one another. The biotic components of an ecosystem are known to feed on one another in order to obtain energy. However, stability of an ecosystem must be maintained between predators and prey or else there will be extinction of many species of organisms.

One way balance in an ecosystem is maintained over time is by the increase and decrease in population of predators and preys in an ecosystem. For example, If the population of hawks (predator) in an area increases, their prey populations might decrease because there will be less predation.

Also, at a later time, when there is a fewer population of prey, the hawk population might decrease because there is less food to eat. The prey populations might then increase.