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 in the ecosystem, the elk population may increase due to decreased competition for resources. This could lead to overgrazing of plants, causing a decline in vegetation and potentially impacting other species that rely on those plants for food or shelter. The wolves, as predators of both bison and elk, may also be affected by the absence of bison, potentially having to rely more heavily on elk as their primary prey.
This change in the ecosystem demonstrates the interconnectedness of species and how the loss of one can have ripple effects on others. It also highlights the importance of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy and resilient ecosystem. With a diverse range of species present, ecosystems are better able to adapt to changes and disturbances, as different species may be able to fill roles left vacant by others. However, if key species such as bison are lost, it can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and decrease its overall resilience to changes. This underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity in order to ensure the sustainability and health of ecosystems.