Balance on Ecosystem Case Study — Yellowstone Park

Question 1

Idea

Answer 1

16 packs of gray wolves reintroduced and each pack kills 1 elk per day

Question 2

Short term impacts

Answer 2

1. Elk population falls from 20,000 to 10,000 in 8 years
2. Coyote population falls due to competition with wolves
3. Less elks mean more grazing pasture and tree coverage
4. Populations of rodents, bears, eagles increase from wolf kills

Question 3

Long term impacts

Answer 3

1. More vegetation means less erosion on river banks, so more habitats
2. Beaver population increases from growth of aspen