Question

Wolves roamed large areas in the western United States until humans eliminated them in the early 1900s. Without wolves as predators,

herbivore populations grew and overgrazed the land. To bring back biodiversity in Yellowstone National Park, scientists reintroduced wolves
in 1995,
Which result would provide evidence that the reintroduction of wolves restored biodiversity in the park?
O A elk populations increasing after scientists introduced the wolves into the park
OB. wolves consuming populations of elk and reducing the population to its original size within the park
O c the wolf population declining because they consumed more elk than the park could naturally sustain
O D. elk consuming large areas of newly established trees that grow in open areas after the introduction of wolves

Answer 1

The answer is B) wolves consuming populations of elk and reducing the population to its original size within the park

When wolves were eliminated, the elk population grew out of control. This meant less food for an overpopulated amount of elk. When the wolves were brought back, the elk population was controlled and became its original size.

A is not the answer because, when introducing a predator back to the same area with overpopulated elk, the elk population would not increase.

C is not the answer because there is too many elk for the wolf population to go down. When there is more food supply for wolves, the wolf population would reduce the amount of elk instead of the wolves population to decrease.

D is not the answer because there would be no newly established trees when the elk over ate their food supply. There would be less elk after the introduction of wolves, so they wouldn't consume larger areas due to decrease in population.