Populations of typical prey animals, such as deer, might exceed the carrying capacity of an ecosystem if top predators, such as mountain lions, are removed.
Without the mountain lions, increased numbers of deer may reduce the food supply available to other
herbivores, such as field mice and crickets. As a result, populations of deer, mice, and crickets might decline,
causing a population decrease in species that feed on these organisms as well.
This example implies that properly functioning predator/prey relationships
A result in food shortage for the entire ecosystem.
B. harm all of the organisms in an ecosystem.
C. can throw an ecosystem out of balance.
D. maintain balance within an ecosystem.

1: most common garden plants prefer loam — soils with a balance of different-sized mineral particles (approximately 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay) with ample organic matter and pore space. however, some plants grow better in sandy soils, while others are well-adapted to clay soils.

2: available water capacity is the maximum amount of plant available water a soil can provide. it is an indicator of a soil's ability to retain water and make it sufficiently available for plant use. available water capacity is the water held in soil between its field capacity and permanent wilting point.

3: it is the same for all living things (plants and animals). it also includes very tiny organisms that our eyes cannot see. they are known as microorganisms, and include viruses, bacteria and fungi.