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How did the removal of the wolf affect the ecosystem in Yellowstone?

What type of ecosystem is Yellowstone?


List 5 reasons the wolf makes Yellowstone better.....
List 5 reasons the wolf makes Yellowstone worse.....


Why are elk healthier if the top predator; the wolf, is healthy and hunting them?


Who is at the top of the food chain in Yellowstone.

1 Answer

10 votes

Answer:

Temperate Zone Ecosystem

Step-by-step explanation:

Yellowstone National Park has one of the largest temperate-zone ecosystems. Not to mention there is tons of diversity within the park from the wildlife, to the vegetation, and the lakes.

5 reasons why wolves make Yellowstone better:

1. Rebalanced elk & deer populations

2. Return of certain species: songbirds, beavers, eagles, & foxes

3. Vegetation species like aspen trees made a return

4. Enhanced tourism opportunities

5. They help to redistribute nutrients and provide food for other wildlife species

5 reasons why wolves make Yellowstone worse:

1. Decline of the elk herd that lives in the Northern range

2. Changed animal behaviors (mainly elk)

3. Attacking livestock & affecting ranchers

4. Reduced hunting opportunities

5. Pose a possible threat to tourists & pets

Elk are healthier because wolves prey on the sick and wounded elk since they are easy to attack. Wolves ruling out the sick elk help the herds by preventing any sicknesses/diseases. When elk aren't being hunted they spend most of their time feasting away which has negatively impacted vegetation and it can also hurt them (overeating). Now that wolves hunt them, they no longer overeat.

Wolves and bears are at the top of the food chain in Yellowstone. They prey on elk and bison as their main source of food.

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