A meadow ecosystem includes many species of grasses and small shrubs, several herbivores, and a few carnivores. A fungus colonizes the meadow and kills most of its vegetation. What is most likely to happen to the populations of herbivores and carnivores in the ecosystem?

A field habitat vegetated by grass and other non-woody plants (grasslands) is known as a meadow. They are of ecological benefit as they are open, sunny regions, which fascinate and support fauna and flora that could not survive in other conditions.

In the given case, when a fungus colonizes the meadow and destructs the majority of its vegetation, which comprises species of small shrubs and grasses, then this may result in the decline of herbivore species due to lack of vegetation on which they survive, which will eventually result in the reduction of carnivore species, as they feed on herbivores.

C. The populations of herbivores and carnivores will decline because less chemical energy will be stored in the ecosystem.