Wolves and Trophic Cascades

What is a trophic cascade?

• A trophic cascade is an ecological phenomenon where the removal or addition of a top predator affects the structure and population dynamics of the entire ecosystem.

• A trophic cascade is a method of measuring soil quality.

• A trophic cascade refers to the migration patterns of birds.

• A trophic cascade is a type of plant growth.

In which year were wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone?

• 1985

• 2000

• 1990

• 1995

What animal population increased due to the absence of wolves?

• Bears

• Elk

• Moose

• Deer

How long had wolves been absent from Yellowstone before 1995?

• 70 years

• 50 years

• 100 years

• 30 years

What effect did the deer population have on vegetation in Yellowstone?

• The deer population caused a variety of new plant species to thrive.

• The deer population had no impact on vegetation in Yellowstone.

• The deer population caused a decline in vegetation due to overgrazing.

• The deer population increased vegetation by promoting growth.

What is the classic example of a trophic cascade mentioned?

• The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park.

• The decline of the American bison

• The introduction of rabbits in Australia

• The extinction of the passenger pigeon

How did the arrival of wolves affect the deer population?

• Wolves had no impact on the deer population.

• The arrival of wolves decreased the deer population.

• The arrival of wolves increased the deer population.

• Wolves only affected other animal species, not deer.

What role do wolves play in the ecosystem according to the narrator?

• Wolves help maintain ecosystem balance by controlling herbivore populations.

• Wolves are primarily scavengers that feed on carrion.

• Wolves primarily hunt small mammals like rabbits.

• Wolves are solitary animals that do not interact with other species.

Why were human efforts to control deer populations not successful?

• Increased hunting licenses led to better control.

• Urban development reduced deer habitats significantly.

• Deer populations were declining due to disease.

• Human efforts to control deer populations were not successful due to rapid population growth, habitat availability, and public opposition.

What happens at the top of the food chain during a trophic cascade?

• Top predators influence the abundance and distribution of species below them in the food chain.

• Top predators only affect their own population size.

• Top predators have no effect on the ecosystem below them.

• Top predators become extinct, leading to an increase in all species.