Which population of organism was first to be wiped out due to the disease? What was the role of this population of organism in the food chain?

The first population of organisms widely recognized to be wiped out due to disease is that of the passenger pigeon. Once abundant in North America, the passenger pigeon experienced a dramatic decline in the late 19th century, largely due to extensive hunting combined with a fatal disease that swept through the population.

Role in the Food Chain

The passenger pigeon played a significant role in the ecosystem as a primary consumer. It fed on seeds, fruits, and nuts, thereby contributing to seed dispersal which allowed various plant species to thrive. Additionally, as a part of the food chain, passenger pigeons served as prey for various predators, including hawks and other birds of prey, thus contributing to the biodiversity and balance of their habitats.

The extinction of the passenger pigeon had cascading effects on the ecosystems they inhabited, impacting both plant populations and the animals that depended on them for food.