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 plant species, potentially causing a decline in vegetation diversity. As a result, certain plant species may become dominant while others may disappear, affecting the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.
In terms of resilience, the ecosystem may struggle to adapt to the absence of bison as they play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Bison help prevent overgrazing by consuming certain plant species and creating habitat for other species through their grazing and trampling behaviors. Without this keystone species, the ecosystem may become less resilient to changes such as fluctuations in climate or the introduction of invasive species.
Overall, the disappearance of bison in the ecosystem can have cascading effects on the biodiversity and resilience of the ecosystem as a whole. This highlights the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem and the importance of maintaining a balance to ensure the health and stability of the environment.