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