Gray wolves, once the top predators in Yellowstone National Park, were hunted to extinction there in 1926. In 1995, 15 wolves were brought to Yellowstone from Alberta. The wolf population has now grown to 300. The forest community in Yellowstone National Park can be described by a top-down model of community organization. Wolves hunt and eat elk. Elk are herbivores that prefer riparian vegetation (plants growing next to streams and lakes). Ravens, bears, and eagles feed on elk carcasses. How would you expect the return of the wolves to Yellowstone to affect the other species there

A) Bear populations would decline.

B) Riparian vegetation would decline.

C) Elk populations would decline.

Question

Evan Fox

Biology

7 April, 10:35

Gray wolves, once the top predators in Yellowstone National Park, were hunted to extinction there in 1926. In 1995, 15 wolves were brought to Yellowstone from Alberta. The wolf population has now grown to 300. The forest community in Yellowstone National Park can be described by a top-down model of community organization. Wolves hunt and eat elk. Elk are herbivores that prefer riparian vegetation (plants growing next to streams and lakes). Ravens, bears, and eagles feed on elk carcasses. How would you expect the return of the wolves to Yellowstone to affect the other species there

A) Bear populations would decline.

B) Riparian vegetation would decline.

C) Elk populations would decline.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Bruce Watts · Answer 1

Answer: B. Elk populations would decline.

Explanation:

Since Elks live in riparian vegetation, there will be increase pressure on the vegetation as Wolves, Ravens, Bears and Eagles will naturally migrate to that location thus resulting in a decline of the riparian vegetation.