If the herring population is reduced by predation, which of the following would most likely be a

Question:

If the herring population is reduced by predation, which of the following would most likely be a secondary effect on the ecosystem?

(A) The mackerels will be the largest predator in the ecosystem.
(B) The small crustacean population will be greatly reduced.
(C) The phytoplankton population will be reduced over the next year.
(D) The small crustaceans will become extinct.

A marine ecosystem was sampled in order to determine its food chain. The results of the study are shown below. Type of Organism Shark Small crustaceans Mackerel Phytoplankton Herring Number of Organisms 2 400 20 1,000 100