In October of 2022 , a raging wildfire swept through the mountain ecosystems in Southern California, burning everything in its path to the ground and driving away all of the animals. In order for the mountain ecosystem to re-establish itself, which member of the food web has to return first? coyotes snakes deer birds grasses

In order for the mountain ecosystem to re-establish itself after a wildfire, the first member of the food web that needs to return is the grasses. Grasses and other primary producers are crucial because they form the base of the food web. They provide the necessary energy and nutrients for herbivores, which in turn support higher trophic levels such as carnivores and omnivores. Once the grasses and other vegetation begin to grow back, they can support the return of herbivores like deer, followed by predators such as coyotes and snakes, and other animals like birds.