(c) Explain how a change in one organism could cause the population of red pandas to decrease. organism explanation
Ответы
Відповідь:
Let's illustrate this with an example:
Imagine a scenario where there is a significant decrease in the population of a particular species of bamboo, which is a primary food source for red pandas. This decrease could be due to factors like deforestation, climate change, or the introduction of a new species that outcompetes the bamboo.
As a result, the availability of food for red pandas is reduced. They may have to travel longer distances to find sufficient food, which can increase their energy expenditure and make it harder for them to survive and reproduce. This can lead to a decline in the reproductive success of red pandas, potentially resulting in a decrease in their overall population.
Additionally, if red pandas are unable to find enough food, it may weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to diseases. This can further contribute to a decline in their population.
So, a change in one organism (in this case, the bamboo) can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem, including the population of red pandas. This example highlights the delicate balance of ecosystems and the interdependence of different species within them.