Question
Cougars were mostly driven out of Utah's Zion National Park.
Which effect did this loss of biodiversity have on the ecosystem?
Responses
Another predator moved in to take the place of cougars.
Another predator moved in to take the place of cougars.
Deer populations increased and nearly wiped out cottonwood trees.
Deer populations increased and nearly wiped out cottonwood trees.
The ecosystem was able to thrive without the presence of predators.
The ecosystem was able to thrive without the presence of predators.
Cottonwood trees began to overtake the ecosystem, crowding out others.
Which effect did this loss of biodiversity have on the ecosystem?
Responses
Another predator moved in to take the place of cougars.
Another predator moved in to take the place of cougars.
Deer populations increased and nearly wiped out cottonwood trees.
Deer populations increased and nearly wiped out cottonwood trees.
The ecosystem was able to thrive without the presence of predators.
The ecosystem was able to thrive without the presence of predators.
Cottonwood trees began to overtake the ecosystem, crowding out others.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The most accurate response to the loss of cougars in Utah's Zion National Park is:
**Deer populations increased and nearly wiped out cottonwood trees.**
This response highlights the concept of trophic cascades, where the removal of a top predator (in this case, cougars) leads to an increase in herbivore populations (like deer), which then overconsume vegetation (such as cottonwood trees), ultimately impacting the entire ecosystem.
**Deer populations increased and nearly wiped out cottonwood trees.**
This response highlights the concept of trophic cascades, where the removal of a top predator (in this case, cougars) leads to an increase in herbivore populations (like deer), which then overconsume vegetation (such as cottonwood trees), ultimately impacting the entire ecosystem.
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