Wolves and Ecosystem Dynamics in Yellowstone

The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone after 70 years led to significant ecological changes. The wolves altered deer behavior, leading to vegetation recovery and increased biodiversity. This included more trees, birds, and beavers, which further transformed the ecosystem. The wolves also impacted the physical geography by stabilizing riverbanks and reducing erosion, showcasing their profound influence on both the ecosystem and landscape.

What was the primary consequence of the absence of wolves in Yellowstone Park for 70 years?

• Increase in the number of deer

• Decrease in the number of deer

• Increase in the number of wolves

• Decrease in the number of wolves

How did the reintroduction of wolves affect the behavior of deer?

• Deer increased in number

• Deer started avoiding certain areas

• Deer began to migrate out of the park

• Deer became more aggressive

What was one of the significant changes in the ecosystem after the wolves were reintroduced?

• Increase in coyote population

• Decrease in bird population

• Increase in beaver population

• Decrease in tree height

What was the effect of wolves on the coyote population?

• Coyotes became more aggressive

• Coyotes decreased in number

• Coyotes migrated out of the park

• Coyotes increased in number

Which animals benefited from the increase in rabbits and mice?

• Deer and elk

• Coyotes and foxes

• Hawks and weasels

• Wolves and bears

How did the presence of wolves indirectly affect the bear population?

• Bears became more aggressive

• Bears decreased in number

• Bears increased in number

• Bears migrated out of the park

What role did regenerating shrubs play in the ecosystem?

• They reduced the number of beavers

• They provided more berries for bears

• They increased soil erosion

• They decreased the number of songbirds

How did the wolves influence the behavior of rivers in Yellowstone?

• Rivers became more polluted

• Rivers dried up

• Rivers meandered less

• Rivers flooded more often

What was one of the reasons for the stabilization of riverbanks?

• Regenerating forests

• Increased deer population

• Decreased vegetation

• Increased human intervention

What overall impact did the wolves have on Yellowstone National Park?

• They had no significant impact

• They only affected the deer population

• They transformed both the ecosystem and physical geography

• They caused more soil erosion