Final answer:
Without sex ratios and age structure data, we cannot accurately estimate the number of male, female, adult, and baby elk in a given population. Research reveals that body condition affects elk survival over winter, and female elk body fat is crucial for both survival and reproductive success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actual population of elk in the park is known to be 5,625. To estimate how many male, female, adult, and baby elk are in the park, we require additional information such as sex ratios and age structure of the population. Without such specifics, any answer would be a guess rather than an informed estimate.
Research on elk indicates that body condition has a significant impact on their survival, especially over the winter months. Females with at least 15% body fat by the end of fall have a greater probability of survival. They have more energy reserves to endure the harsh conditions and lack of available food during winter. Conversely, those with less than 10% body fat are at high risk of not surviving due to inadequate reserves.
During the breeding season, not all mated female elk become pregnant. Those with less than 6% body fat often do not conceive, possibly due to the body not having enough resources to support both the mother and developing offspring.
In general, the birth rate in animal populations like deer is proportional to the number of breeding-aged females. Therefore, knowing the number of adult females would allow us to estimate the number of baby elk.
Understanding population dynamics, such as those of elk in Yellowstone National Park, requires comprehensive studies that consider various factors such as body condition, sex ratios, age structure, and environmental conditions.