The most realistic description of energy flow through an ecosystem is a food web that represents an interconnected series of food chains. In general, the greater the number of alternative channels through which energy can flow, the greater the stability of the food web and the ecosystem.
The diagram shows a typical food web for a wet meadow. The hawk and the fox obtain nourishment by preying upon rabbits, frogs, snakes, and mice. The fox may even eat grasshoppers. If, for example, the rabbit population is reduced, possibly because of bad weather during the breeding season, the fox and hawk would shift their predatory pressure to other forms of prey. The rabbit population would then have a chance to bounce back and the ecosystem would remain stable.
— Exhibit -Based on the diagram, which consumer would have the greatest chance of surviving if the amount of available prey changes during the different seasons?
A . hawks
B . foxes
C . snakes
D . mice
E . rabbits
Answer: B
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