olves in Yellowstone

Question

The following excerpt describes the reintroduction program of the grey wolf back into Yellowstone.

 

Question 1
Consider the ecosystem described above.  In this ecosystem, elk enjoy eating the leaves of cottonwood trees. 

1.  Which of the following represents a food chain with arrows that properly show energy flow? 

(Look carefully at the arrows.  They are important.)

(1 point)
Responses

Elk > Cottonwood < Wolf
Elk > Cottonwood < Wolf

Cottonwood > Elk > Wolf
Cottonwood > Elk > Wolf

Cottonwood > Elk < Wolf
Cottonwood > Elk < Wolf

Wolf > Cottonwood > Elk
Wolf > Cottonwood > Elk
Question 2
The following graph represents the relative populations of the wolves, elk, and cottonwood trees in the ecosystem described above. 

2.  How did the reintroduction of the grey wolf, a carnivore, affect the population of…

Answer 1

Question 1:

To determine which food chain accurately represents the flow of energy in the ecosystem described, let's analyze the relationships:

• Cottonwood trees (producer) are eaten by elk (primary consumer).
• Wolves (secondary consumer) eat elk.

The correct representation of the food chain, showing the direction of energy flow (from producer to consumer), is:

Cottonwood > Elk > Wolf

So the correct response is:

• Cottonwood > Elk > Wolf

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Question 2:

Since the graph representing the populations of wolves, elk, and cottonwood trees is not provided, I will summarize the likely effects based on ecological principles resulting from the reintroduction of grey wolves into the ecosystem:

1. Wolf Population: After the reintroduction of grey wolves, the wolf population would initially increase due to the availability of prey (elk).

2. Elk Population: The increase in the wolf population would lead to a decrease in the elk population. Wolves would predominate in hunting and thus help control the elk numbers.

3. Cottonwood Population: With fewer elk due to predation by wolves, the pressure on cottonwood trees would lessen, allowing their population to increase as they face less browsing pressure.

So, the reintroduction of grey wolves would lead to:

• An increase in wolf population.
• A decrease in elk population.
• An increase in cottonwood tree population as a result of reduced grazing.

If you have specific details or numbers from the graph you'd like to analyze, please provide them, and I can give a more detailed answer!