6. What will happen to the populations of other animals in the area as a result of this change in the moose population in the long term? Explain why. (2 pt)

1 answer

The change in the moose population can have significant impacts on the populations of other animals in the area in the long term. Since moose are herbivores, a decrease in their population could lead to an increase in plant growth as there are fewer moose feeding on vegetation. This could potentially lead to competition for food and resources among other herbivores in the area, such as deer or elk.

Conversely, an increase in the moose population could lead to overgrazing and depletion of resources, which could negatively impact other herbivores and ultimately lead to a decline in their populations. Additionally, changes in the predator-prey dynamics could also occur, as a decrease in moose population could impact the populations of predators that rely on moose as a food source.

Overall, fluctuations in the moose population can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem, leading to changes in vegetation, competition for resources among herbivores, and shifts in predator populations. It is important for wildlife managers to monitor and study these interactions to ensure the overall health and balance of the ecosystem.