What would likely happen to the ant population if grasses were removed from their ecosystem?

The ant population would likely decrease due to the lack of food resources when grasses are removed from their ecosystem. Many ant species are scavengers or herbivores, and they rely on a variety of plant materials, including grasses, for sustenance. Grasses often provide not only food but also habitat and protection for various insects that ants may prey upon or scavenge from. Without this crucial food source, ants would struggle to find adequate nutrition, leading to a decline in their population.

The other factors presented in the options do not accurately reflect the ecological role of grasses in supporting ant populations. For instance, a reduction in predators could potentially support an increase in population, but since grass removal directly impacts food availability, this would not be a primary factor. Similarly, while ants may not rely solely on grasses, they do depend on a variety of local food sources, and lack of grasses would likely destabilize their food web. The notion of fewer competitors would not apply as directly because the immediate impact of removing a vital food source would be more significant than any potential advantage gained from decreased competition.