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