The given diagram represents the relationships between organisms in a remote pond ecosystem. From this information. Which of the following is the most likely to be correct?

1) DDT present in the ecosystem would accumulate to the highest concentrations in the tissues of detritivore 1.
2) The introduction of consumer 4 individuals from an external population would lead a temporary increase in number of producer 2.
3) Disease in the producer 1 population would lead to an increase in the producer 3 population.
4) Extermination of consumer 3 would cause a sustained increase in the population of consumer 2.

Options

A. DDT present in the ecosystem would accumulate to the highest concentrations in the tissues of destritivore 1.
B. The introduction of consumer 4 individuals from an external population would lead a temporary increasein number of producer 2.
C. Disease in the producer 1population would lead to an increase in the producer 3 propulation.
D. Exterination of cunsumer 3 would cause a sustained increase in the population of consumer 2.

Answer

B

Explanation

DDT present in ecosystem would accumulate to the highest concentration in the tissues of consumer 4 due to the phenomenon of biomagnification. If consumer 4 is introduced from an external population it would cause a decrease in consumer 2. This will lead to a temporary increase in producer 2 on which consumer 2 was feeding. If there is disease in the producer 1, consumer 2 will have one less option to eat, so it will be more dependent on producer 2 and 3, hence decreasing their populations. Extermination of consumer 3 would lead to more dependence of consumer 4 on consumer 2, thereby decreasing its number.