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)

5 answers

One possible response to the disappearance of bison from the ecosystem could be an increase in the elk population. With less competition for resources from the bison, the elk may thrive and their numbers could grow. This increase in elk population could have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.

From a resiliency standpoint, this shift could demonstrate the ability of the ecosystem to adapt to changes and maintain its functioning. The ecosystem may be able to adjust to the absence of bison by relying more heavily on elk as primary consumers. This resilience allows the ecosystem to continue functioning even in the face of disturbances.

From a biodiversity perspective, the disappearance of bison and potential increase in elk population could impact the diversity of species within the ecosystem. Biodiversity is important for the stability and resilience of ecosystems, as a variety of species can help buffer against environmental changes. However, if one species, such as bison, disappears, it could lead to a decrease in biodiversity within the ecosystem. This loss of species diversity could potentially make the ecosystem more vulnerable to future disturbances.
4-5 sentences
The disappearance of bison from the ecosystem could lead to a decrease in biodiversity as a key species is lost. With fewer species present, there may be a decrease in the overall resilience of the ecosystem to adapt to changes. This could also impact the balance of the ecosystem and alter the interactions between remaining species, potentially leading to cascading effects throughout the food web. Overall, the loss of the bison highlights the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem and the importance of preserving biodiversity for ecosystem health and stability.
Make it sound like a middle schooler wrote it
If the bison disappear from the ecosystem, there might be fewer different types of animals and plants around. This could make the ecosystem not as good at handling changes or things that happen. It might also mess up how all the animals and plants interact with each other, like a domino effect. Losing the bison shows how everything in nature is connected and why it's important to have lots of different species to keep things running smoothly.