Wolves are the keystone species in this scenario. A keystone species is one whose presence and role in an ecosystem have a disproportionate effect on the environment and other species. In this case, the reintroduction of wolves led to changes in elk populations, which in turn affected other species and plant life in Yellowstone National Park.
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
wolves
elk
bears
willows
1 answer
1 answer