How do changes to a lower trophic level (ex. a decrease in producers) affect a higher trophic level? How do changes to higher trophic levels (ex. increase in secondary consumers) affect lower trophic levels?

Question

Caleb Allen · Accepted Answer

Changes of numbers in lower trophic levels is likely to have the same effect on higher trophic levels, while changes of numbers in higher trophic levels will have the adverse effect on lower ones.

reduced trophic levels: fewer producers -> less food for primary consumers -> potential reduction in the number of primary consumers increased trophic levels: secondary consumers rise, increasing the amount of food required for additional consumers, and levels of lower trophic levels (primary consumers/producers) fall

Samuel Albin · Answer

undefined Changes to a lower trophic level, such as a decrease in producers, can lead to a decrease in the population size or biomass of the higher trophic levels due to reduced food availability. Changes to higher trophic levels, such as an increase in secondary consumers, can lead to a decrease in the population size or biomass of lower trophic levels due to increased predation pressure.