Question

Acid rain and other forms of pollution can cause soil acidification, which decreases the number of decomposers in the soil. What is most likely to happen to an ecosystem that experiences soil acidification?

A.
The population of primary consumers would increase because of increased production by autotrophs.
B.
The level of available nutrients in the soil would decrease, which would cause the population of producers to decrease.
C.
The level of energy available in the ecosystem would increase, which would cause the population of autotrophs to increase.
D.
The population of primary consumers would increase because of decreased competition from decomposers.

Answer 1

B.

Step-by-step explanation:

Decomposers produce nutrients for producers by breaking down organic material. If decomposers are negatively impacted by soil acidification, there will be a lack of nutrients available to the producers who rely on them.