Ask a New Question
Menu

Why are wolves classified as a keystone species in the ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park?

1. The activities of wolves support the biodiversity of the ecosystem.
2. Wolves roam across the park, instead of remaining in one area.
3. Wolves reside in the ecosystem for only part of the year.
4. Wolves breed with one another and produce many cubs each year.

1 answer

Wolves are classified as a keystone species in the ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park primarily due to the first reason you mentioned:

  1. The activities of wolves support the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

As predators, wolves help regulate the populations of herbivores, such as elk. This predation can prevent overgrazing, allowing for a more balanced plant community and enabling various other species to thrive. The presence of wolves thus indirectly supports the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem, making them a crucial component of Yellowstone's ecological framework. The other options do not adequately capture the role of wolves in maintaining ecosystem dynamics.