Human population growth has led to a reduction
in the populations of predators throughout
natural ecosystems across the United States.
Scientists consider the loss of these predators to
have a
(1) positive effect, because an increase in their
prey helps to maintain stability in the
ecosystem
(2) positive effect, because predators usually
eliminate the species they prey on
(3) negative effect, since predators have always
made up a large portion of our food supply
(4) negative effect, because predators have an
important role in maintaining stable
ecosystems