Suppose a volcano threw so much ash into the air that it blocked much of the sunlight. How might this event affect the ability of animals to obtain energy to live?

Well the ash would block out the sun, and would stop photosynthesis, which would kill the trees and plants. that would cut off the supply of oxygen, making it hard to get a substantial amount of air for animals.

If there is no sunlight, then they can't see and plants won't grow