Plants, bison, elk, and wolves are all members of an ecosystem. The bison and elk are both primary consumers in this ecosystem, while the wolves are a predator. Over time, the bison completely disappear. Give an example of how the ecosystem may respond to this change, and explain how this relates to both resiliency and biodiversity.

Keep it short and simple, please, try and do it in 3-5 sentences

1 answer

If bison disappear from the ecosystem, the number of primary consumers like elk may increase due to reduced competition for resources, leading to overgrazing of plants. This overgrazing can significantly decrease plant diversity and disrupt the habitat for other species, ultimately affecting the entire food web. The ecosystem's resiliency may be compromised as it struggles to maintain balance and recover from the loss of bison, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in ensuring stability and adaptability in ecosystems. Without diverse species interactions, the ecosystem may become less resilient to further changes, making it more vulnerable to collapse.