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.
If the bison completely disappear from the ecosystem, it could have a domino effect on the other members of the ecosystem. Without the bison as a primary consumer, the elk population may become overpopulated, leading to overgrazing of the vegetation. This could then disrupt the plant population, leading to a decrease in food availability for other animals in the ecosystem.
This change could impact the resiliency of the ecosystem as it may struggle to adapt to the loss of a key species. Without the bison to help maintain the balance of the ecosystem, it may become more vulnerable to further disruptions, such as disease outbreaks or changes in climate.
In terms of biodiversity, the loss of the bison also means a loss of species diversity within the ecosystem. This can have cascading effects on the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. Different species play unique roles in an ecosystem, and the loss of one species can have far-reaching consequences for others.
In conclusion, the disappearance of the bison from the ecosystem can have significant impacts on its resiliency and biodiversity. It highlights the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem and the importance of preserving species diversity to maintain a healthy and balanced environment.