23. A drought causes the grass to fade, wilt, and eventually die. Which of the following most likely describes the effect of the drought on this food chain? A- an increase in all species B- a decrease in grasshoppers but an increase in mice C- an increase in grasshoppers and hawks D- a decrease in all species

The correct answer is D) a decrease in all species.<br /><br />Explanation: A drought causes the grass to fade, wilt, and eventually die. This would have a cascading effect on the food chain. Grass is the primary producer in this food chain, providing food and habitat for grasshoppers. If the grass dies due to the drought, it would lead to a decrease in grasshoppers as their food source is eliminated. This, in turn, would affect the predators that rely on grasshoppers for food, such as mice and hawks. Therefore, the most likely effect of the drought on this food chain would be a decrease in all species involved.