Isle Royale Flashcards
When did moose arrive and what happened?
arrives first by water, population boomed for 30 yrs until overpopulation caused starvation
When did wolves arrive and what happened?
arrived later by ice bridge, started preying on impoverished moose.
Why did moose initially overshoot carrying capacity?
it took some time for negative effects on plants to
negatively affect moose births and deaths
What happened to moose numbers after wolves arrived?
average moose numbers go below the carrying capacity, and begin to cycle with wolf numbers
Were moose healthier or unhealthier after wolves arrived?
healthier because had higher fat storage since food more available?
What potential effect did climate change have?
- longer growing seasons
How does shorter growing season affect moose?
lower moose numbers and less variation over time
How does longer growing season affect moose?
higher and more variable moose numbers over time
What is the paradox of enrichment?
- more resources may result in “boom and bust” cycles, and
increased risk of extinction - Risk of extinction higher for a top predator such as wolves
