22. The hawk population in this grassland ecosystem is suffering losses due to a poxvirus rapidly spreading disease among the hawks . What would best explain why the mouse population is also experiencing a population decline? A- The remaining hawks are eating only mice. B- The snakes are increasing with fewer predators feeding on them. C-The grasshoppers are beginning to feed on the mice too. D- There is an abundance of grass

## Step 1<br />The problem presents a situation where the hawk population in a grassland ecosystem is declining due to a disease caused by a poxvirus. The question asks us to explain why the mouse population is also experiencing a decline.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to analyze each option and determine which one best explains the decline in the mouse population.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A suggests that the remaining hawks are eating only mice. However, this doesn't explain why the mouse population is declining. If the hawks were eating only mice, the mouse population would likely increase, not decrease.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B suggests that the snakes are increasing with fewer predators feeding on them. This could lead to an increase in the snake population, which could then prey on the mice, leading to a decline in the mouse population.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C suggests that the grasshoppers are beginning to feed on the mice too. However, grasshoppers are not known to prey on mice, so this option is unlikely.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D suggests that there is an abundance of grass. This doesn't explain why the mouse population is declining. In fact, an abundance of grass could provide more food for the mice, leading to an increase in their population.