Question

Wolves affect where deer graze, which changes plant communities, which alters stream erosion patterns. What does this demonstrate about ecosystem interactions?
Question 4 options:

Wolves are always the most important species in ecosystems

Predators only directly affect their immediate prey species

Single species can have cascading effects throughout entire ecosystems

Plant communities remain independent of animal behavior patterns
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Answer 1

Correct answer: Single species can have cascading effects throughout entire ecosystems.

Explanation: This is an example of a trophic cascade — wolves (a predator) change deer behavior and numbers, which alters plant communities and then physical processes (stream erosion). The other options are false generalizations.