The keystone species in this scenario is wolves. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, and the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone has had a cascading effect on various species and the overall health of the ecosystem. Their hunting of elk has led to increased biodiversity and growth of plant species, like willows, which in turn supports other species, including beavers.
Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995. They began to hunt the abundant elk population, so elk numbers decreased. The elk carcasses provided food for other predators, like foxes, coyotes, and bears, so all of their populations increased. Elk used to overgraze on willow plants; now that willows are growing back, beaver numbers are increasing, because they prefer the slow-moving water that willows cause. Which of these species is a keystone species? (1 point) Responses bears bears willows willows elk elk wolves
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