Wolves of yellowstone

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. In Yellowstone, wolves are considered a keystone species because they help maintain the population of other species, which in turn affects the entire ecosystem.

Front

How long were wolves absent from Yellowstone National Park?

Back

Wolves were absent from Yellowstone National Park for 70 years.

Front

What impact did the absence of wolves have on elk populations?

Back

Without wolves, elk populations increased significantly because there were no natural predators to keep their numbers in check.

Front

What happened to vegetation due to increased elk populations?

Back

The elk reduced the vegetation to almost nothing by devouring it or leaving it bare.

Front

Which animals did not benefit from the disappearance of the wolves?

Back

Birds, coyotes, and beavers did not benefit from the disappearance of the wolves.

Front

What is the role of wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem?

Back

Wolves help control the population of herbivores like elk, which allows vegetation to recover and supports a diverse ecosystem.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Front

What is the significance of the protection act for wolves in Yellowstone?

Back

The protection act helps ensure the survival of wolves in Yellowstone, which is crucial for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Front

What can happen if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

Back

If a keystone species is removed, it can lead to dramatic changes in the ecosystem, including overpopulation of certain species and decline of others.

Front

What is the relationship between wolves and beavers in Yellowstone?

Back

Wolves help control elk populations, which allows beavers to thrive by providing more vegetation for them to build dams.