Question

Human population growth has led to a reduction

in the populations of predators throughout
natural ecosystems across the United States.
Scientists consider the loss of these predators to
have a
(1) positive effect, because an increase in their
prey helps to maintain stability in the
ecosystem
(2) positive effect, because predators usually
eliminate the species they prey on
(3) negative effect, since predators have always
made up a large portion of our food supply
(4) negative effect, because predators have an
important role in maintaining stable
ecosystems

Answer 1

(4) negative effect, because predators have an important role in maintaining stable ecosystems.

Humans can upset the stability of our ecosystem by removing species, be those species recognized as prey or predators.

In order for an ecosystem to remain stable, there must be interrelationships and inter-dependencies of among organisms.