Question

Predators are important for a natural ecosystem because:
(a) They keep prey population under control
(b) They help in maintaining species diversity
(c) They act as conduits for energy transfer across trophic levels
(d) They reduce intensity of competition among competing prey species

• A. Only a, c, d
• B. Only a, b, c
• C. Only a, b, d
• D. a, b, c, d

Answer 1

The correct option is D a, b, c, d

Predators are an important part of a healthy ecosystem. Predators keep the prey population under control. The prey species could achieve very high population densities and cause ecosystem instability in the absence of predators. Predators also help in maintaining species diversity in a community, by reducing the intensity of competition among competing prey species. Predators help in transferring the energy fixed by plants to higher trophic levels. Hence, they act as conduits for energy transfer across trophic levels.