How might the removal o mountain lions affect the flow of matter and energy in the rest of the energy pyramid?

The removal of mountain lions, as top predators, can lead to an increase in the population of their prey, such as deer and smaller herbivores. This overpopulation can result in overgrazing, which depletes vegetation and disrupts the primary producers' ability to convert sunlight into energy. Consequently, the entire energy pyramid becomes imbalanced, as the energy transfer from producers to herbivores is altered, potentially leading to a decline in the overall biodiversity and health of the ecosystem. The flow of matter and energy is thus affected by changes in species interactions and resource availability.