What impact does a decrease in the squirrel population have on the fox population, according to a food web?

A decrease in the squirrel population directly impacts the fox population because squirrels serve as a food source for foxes. In a food web, when a prey species (like squirrels) declines, it leads to a corresponding decrease in the predator species (like foxes) that rely on them for sustenance. With fewer squirrels available, foxes may struggle to find enough food, resulting in a decrease in their population over time due to starvation or reduced reproduction rates. This reflects the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem and highlights how changes in one population can ripple through the food web, affecting multiple species.