In a desert ecosystem, coyotes and rattlesnakes both eat the same type of mouse as a primary part of their diets. Recently, coyotes have been hunted and killed by people, decreasing the overall coyote population.How will this most likely affect the rattlesnake population over time?
Answer
A
It will decrease because coyotes are the prey.
B
It will increase because coyotes are the prey.
C
It will decrease because coyotes are the competition.
D
It will increase because coyotes are the competition.
Explanation
Coyotes and rattlesnakes rely on the same mouse, so they compete for food. When hunting reduces the coyote population, there is less competition for mice, leaving more food available to rattlesnakes. Over time, the rattlesnake population is therefore most likely to increase; coyotes are competitors here, not prey.
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