If all second-order consumers within an ecosystem are removed, the most likely short-term effect would be

• A. An increase in the number of first-order consumers
• B. A decrease in producers
• C. An increase in second-order consumers
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

This tests how removing predators at a higher trophic level affects the level below it. Second-order consumers eat first-order consumers, so when they’re removed, fewer herbivores are dying from predation. In the short term, that means the population of first-order consumers rises because there’s less predation pressure. Producers may feel the impact later, as more herbivores graze on them, but the immediate outcome is an increase in first-order consumers. The other options don’t fit the quick response: you can’t have more second-order consumers if they’re gone, and no change isn’t correct because removing a trophic level disrupts the food web.