what is an example of a natural phenomenon in coyote and the buffalo

1 answer

One example of a natural phenomenon in the relationship between coyotes and buffaloes is the phenomenon known as "trophic cascade."

When coyotes hunt and prey on buffalo calves, it causes a decrease in the buffalo population. This decrease then has cascading effects on the ecosystem.

With fewer buffalo, there is less herbivory pressure on the landscape, which leads to an increase in plant growth. This increased plant growth affects the structure and composition of vegetation, which subsequently affects the populations of other animals that depend on those plants for food and habitat.

Therefore, the presence of coyotes and their predation on buffalo calves can trigger a trophic cascade, influencing the entire ecosystem.