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
One possible response to the disappearance of bison in the ecosystem could be an increase in the elk population since there is now less competition for resources like food and territory. With the elk population increasing, there may be a decrease in the availability of vegetation for other herbivores in the ecosystem, which could lead to a decline in plant species diversity.
This example illustrates how interconnected species are within an ecosystem and highlights the importance of biodiversity for resiliency. Biodiversity refers to the variety and variability of life forms within an ecosystem, and a diverse ecosystem is more resilient to disturbances and changes. When one species, such as the bison, disappears from the ecosystem, it can disrupt the balance and have cascading effects on other species, as demonstrated by the potential increase in elk population and decrease in plant diversity in this scenario.
In order to maintain a healthy and resilient ecosystem, it is important to preserve biodiversity and protect all species within it. This ensures that the ecosystem can adapt to changes and disturbances, maintaining its stability and functioning properly.