A large number of deer once lived on the Kalibab Plateau north of the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. In 1907 their predators, wolves, coyotes and pumas, were killed to protect the deer. What do you think happened after this?

The deer population grew much larger because they had no predators. Eventually there were too many deer for the habitat and many starved to death.

Ok thank you

You're welcome.

After the predators such as wolves, coyotes, and pumas were killed to protect the deer population on the Kalibab Plateau, it is likely that the deer experienced a rapid growth in their numbers. With fewer natural predators, the deer population might have increased unchecked. This phenomenon is known as a population explosion or an overpopulation event.

Without natural predators to control their numbers, the deer would have had access to ample resources such as food, water, and shelter, leading to a higher survival rate and increased reproductive success. This would have resulted in a surge in the deer population.

However, an unchecked growth in the deer population can have negative consequences for the ecosystem. The sudden increase in deer could lead to overgrazing, where they consume excessive vegetation, potentially damaging the habitats of other species and disrupting the overall balance of the ecosystem.

Additionally, the absence of predators may have influenced the behavior and movement patterns of the deer. Without the presence of natural predators, they might have become less vigilant and more tolerant of human activities, potentially encroaching on agricultural fields or becoming more at risk for collisions with vehicles.

It's important to note that this is a hypothetical answer based on the given information. Actual outcomes can be influenced by a variety of factors such as habitat availability, disease, and human intervention.