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What is the impact of reintroducing the grey wolf to Yellowstone Park's food web?

a) Ecosystem Dynamics in Yellowstone
b) Grey Wolf Reintroduction Effects
c) Conservation Strategies in National Parks
d) Wildlife Interactions in Yellowstone

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Reintroducing grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park had a significant impact on the park's food web and ecosystem dynamics. It led to decreased browsing by elk near streambanks, allowing for the regrowth of important vegetation. The wolves also acted as a keystone species, leading to increased biodiversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park had a significant impact on the park's food web and ecosystem dynamics. By preying on elk, the wolves caused a change in the foraging behavior of the elk, leading to decreased browsing near streambanks. This allowed important vegetation to regrow, which had positive effects on the overall ecosystem.

The reintroduction of wolves acted as a keystone species, meaning it had disproportionate impacts on the ecosystem. This resulted in increased biodiversity, as the wolves suppressed elk and coyote populations, allowed revegetation of riparian areas, and increased the populations of species that were previously suppressed by coyotes.

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