Answer:
If a major predator was added to a food web, it could have a variety of impacts depending on the specific species and ecosystem in question. Some potential outcomes could include:
Changes in population dynamics: The addition of a major predator could lead to changes in the populations of other species in the food web. For example, if the predator preys on a particular species, that species may decline in population, while other species that are not preyed upon may increase in population.
Trophic cascades: The addition of a predator can also lead to trophic cascades, where changes at one level of the food web ripple down to other levels. For example, if a predator reduces the population of a particular prey species, this could lead to changes in the populations of species that depend on that prey species for food.
Ecological balance: The addition of a predator could potentially restore balance to an ecosystem if it is introduced to control an overabundant prey species. This can help to prevent overgrazing or other negative impacts on the ecosystem.
Extinction risk: In some cases, the addition of a major predator could pose a threat to other species in the food web, potentially leading to extinction if the predator preys on a vulnerable species.
Step-by-step explanation: