Question

The main predators of field mice in a certain ecosystem are rattlesnakes and foxes. suppose humans begin building neighborhoods in the ecosystem, driving out many of the indigenous rattlesnakes and foxes. what will most likely happen to the field mice's population?

Answer 1

The population will increase in size.

Answer 2

Without the predation effect by rattlesnakes and foxes, it is likely that the field mouse population will experience exponential growth. The mice will also probably take advantage of increased food resources by the proximity of human settlements, with increased food sources from trash and thrown out food. The mice would then become vermin, and may spread disease. The encroachment of humans onto previously undisturbed environment has been linked to the increased incidents of certain highly infectious and damaging diseases, such as ebola. An interesting article of relevance has been that regarding leopards living nearby settlements in India that have been preying on stray dogs, thereby keeping the number of stray dogs in check.