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.
Without the bison, the elk population may experience a population boom since there is less competition for resources. This could lead to overgrazing of the plants, which may result in a decrease in plant species diversity. The wolves may also suffer since they rely heavily on the bison as a food source. This could lead to a decline in the wolf population, which could have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem.
This example highlights the importance of biodiversity and resiliency in an ecosystem. Biodiversity helps to ensure that there are alternative food sources and habitats for species in the event of a disturbance such as the loss of a key species. Resiliency, the ability of an ecosystem to recover after a disturbance, depends on the diversity and interdependence of species within the ecosystem. Without a diverse community of species, an ecosystem may not be able to recover from disturbances such as the loss of a key species.