Read this passage about the wolves of Yellowstone Park.
Wolves are predators that feed on animals such as elk. When wolves were seen as a problem and were removed from Yellowstone Park, the elk population grew quickly. Since elk feed on aspen trees, the population of these trees decreased. Beavers that feed on young aspen trees moved out of the area, no longer creating valuable wetland by building their dams.
When wolves were finally reintroduced in 1995, the wolves thinned herds of weak and sickly elk, stabilizing the population. With decreased populations of elk, the aspen were able to recover and populations of these trees grew. Beavers returned to the ecosystem. The ecosystem in Yellowstone began to regain balance among predators and prey.
Was reintroducing the wolves to Yellowstone a good solution?
Responses
Yes, the reintroduction of wolves controlled the elk population so other species could thrive.
Yes, the reintroduction of wolves controlled the elk population so other species could thrive.
Yes, by reintroducing wolves the elk population could grow and control numbers of other species.
Yes, by reintroducing wolves the elk population could grow and control numbers of other species.
No, the wolves were a predator for beavers, so wetlands were destroyed.
No, the wolves were a predator for beavers, so wetlands were destroyed.
No, the wolves wiped out the elk population so populations of aspen grew out of control.
No, the wolves wiped out the elk population so populations of aspen grew out of control.