Gray Wolves and Population Ecology

The video discusses population ecology, focusing on the gray wolf in Yellowstone National Park. It covers the history of the wolf population, its extirpation due to hunting and habitat destruction, and the successful reintroduction efforts starting in 1994. The video also highlights the current status of wolves, their removal from the endangered species list, and ongoing legislative challenges to the Endangered Species Act.

What is the primary focus of population ecology?

• Understanding how populations change and interact with the environment

• Studying individual organisms

• Examining the physical characteristics of ecosystems

• Analyzing the genetic makeup of species

What is a key reason for studying specific populations in population ecology?

• To reduce their numbers

• To isolate them from other species

• To understand how to sustain and promote their survival

• To increase their genetic diversity

What led to the decline of gray wolves in Yellowstone by 1926?

• Climate change

• Disease outbreaks

• Over-hunting and habitat destruction

• Natural disasters

Which program was initiated in 1994 concerning gray wolves?

• A program to study wolf behavior

• A conservation effort to protect wolf habitats

• A breeding program for wolves in captivity

• A project to reintroduce wolves into Yellowstone and Idaho

By 2012, what significant change occurred regarding gray wolves?

• They were declared extinct

• Their population decreased significantly

• They were added to the endangered species list

• They were removed from the federal list of endangered species

What was a major factor in the success of the wolf reintroduction programs?

• Lack of natural predators

• Support from local communities

• Understanding the importance of predators

• Availability of government funding

As of 2015, approximately how many gray wolves were in the northern Rocky Mountains?

• 500

• 1,000

• 2,000

• 1,600

What was one of the positive outcomes of the wolf reintroduction program?

• Higher numbers of elk and deer

• More hunting opportunities

• Increased tourism in Yellowstone

• Improved ecosystem balance

What is the current status of the Endangered Species Act as mentioned in the transcript?

• It is unchanged

• It is under attack in Congress

• It is being strengthened by Congress

• It has been abolished

What is a potential future concern for gray wolves and the Endangered Species Act?

• Increased protection measures

• Introduction of new predators

• Uncertainty about their protection status

• Expansion of their habitat