Final answer:
Ebola outbreaks can diminish chocolate production, leading to increased chocolate prices and reduced quantity sold, while a vanilla surplus might encourage some consumers to switch away from chocolate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When ebola outbreaks in Africa lead to reduced labor and potential disruptions in farming activities, the immediate effect is a decrease in the quantity of chocolate (cocoa) being produced. This reduction in supply is illustrated by a leftward shift of the supply curve in a supply and demand graph
As for vanilla, which acts as a substitute for chocolate, a surplus can place downward pressure on its price and potentially lead to increased consumption as consumers substitute away from the more expensive chocolate. However, when considering just the chocolate market, the decreased supply would typically lead to an increase in the equilibrium price of chocolate, while the quantity sold at that higher price point would be less. Thus, consumers might see a spike in prices and a drop in availability of chocolate products.