# Explain why removing all the predators from a grassland ecosystem would affect the populations of both herbivores and plants.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 1.6.1 Ecosystems · Explain · 4 marks

> In some areas, large predators such as wolves have been hunted until they no longer exist in a habitat. Scientists have studied the effects this has on the rest of the ecosystem.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Without predators, the herbivore population would increase
2. Because herbivores are no longer being eaten / kept in check by predators
3. The increased number of herbivores would consume more plants
4. So the plant population would decrease

## Key terms

- [predator](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/predator)
- [herbivore](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/herbivore)
- [population](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/population)
- [ecosystem](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ecosystem)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-removing-all-the-predators-19d5dbfa) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.