In a forest ecosystem, the squirrels eat seeds from trees. The squirrels are then eaten by hawks, owls, and foxes. If there were no more owls present in this ecosystem, which would most likely happen in the forest?

The questions have been asked in several important state and regional science exams in the United States. For example: TAKS-Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, New York State Educational Department Regents exams, California Standards Test, etc.