What does the term "trophic cascade" refer to?

Prepare for the APES Aquatic Pollution Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get detailed hints and explanations for each question to ace your exam!

The term "trophic cascade" specifically refers to a series of ecological changes that occur in an ecosystem as a result of the removal or addition of a top predator. This concept illustrates how the interactions within food webs can lead to widespread effects on population dynamics and ecosystem structure.

When a top predator is removed from an ecosystem, the population of its prey species can increase dramatically, which may lead to overgrazing or depletion of vegetation in the ecosystem, thereby affecting other species and habitats. Conversely, if a top predator is introduced or allowed to thrive, it can help control the populations of herbivores, promoting the health and stability of the ecosystem. This cascade of effects highlights the importance of each species within a food web and how altering one level can influence the entire system, demonstrating the interconnectedness of ecological relationships.

The other options do not accurately describe this concept. For instance, while pollution can lead to loss of biodiversity, it is not specifically linked to the concept of trophic cascades. Nutrient cycling is a different process related to how nutrients move through an ecosystem. Changes in fish populations due to fishing regulations pertain more to population control measures rather than broader ecological interactions involving trophic levels.

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