Plants, bison, elk, and wolves are all members of an ecosystem. The bison and elk are both primary consumers in this ecosystem, while the wolves are a predator. Over time, the bison completely disappear. Give an example of how the ecosystem may respond to this change, and explain how this relates to both resiliency and biodiversity. (4 points)

Answer 1

One possible example of how the ecosystem may respond to the disappearance of bison is that the elk population may increase due to reduced competition for resources. This increase in elk population may lead to overgrazing of vegetation, which can negatively impact other species that depend on the same vegetation for food and habitat. Additionally, the absence of bison may also affect the behavior and population dynamics of the wolves, which may have to switch to alternative prey or move to other areas in search of food.

This example illustrates how the loss of a single species can have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. It also highlights the importance of biodiversity and resiliency in ecosystems. Biodiversity refers to the variety of species and genetic diversity within an ecosystem, which provides a range of ecological functions and services. Resiliency refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances and maintain its structure and function over time. A diverse and resilient ecosystem is better able to withstand and recover from disturbances, such as the loss of a species, than a less diverse and resilient ecosystem. Therefore, maintaining biodiversity and resiliency is crucial for the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystems.