Question

American toads are the major prey species of Eastern hognose snakes in Connecticut. What would most likely happen to these predators if a plague killed all of the American toads in the region?

A. The population of Eastern hognose snakes would not be affected.
B. The population of Eastern hognose snakes would decline.
C. The population of Eastern hognose snakes would increase.
D. Eastern hognose snakes would immediately adapt to eat mice instead.

Answer 1

If a plague killed all of the American toads in a region, the population of Eastern hognose snakes would likely decline.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely outcome if a plague killed all of the American toads in the region would be that the population of Eastern hognose snakes would decline (option B).

This is because American toads are the major prey species for the Eastern hognose snakes, and without them, the snakes would not have enough food to sustain their population. As a result, the snake population would decrease.