Question 4. Wolves made the water quality of rivers, streams, and lakes better in Yellowstone.
Responses
True
True
False
False
elaborate
False. While wolves play a role in the ecosystem and may indirectly impact water quality through their interactions with other species, it is unlikely that their presence alone significantly improves water quality in rivers, streams, and lakes in Yellowstone. Other factors such as human activities, pollution, and climate change have a larger impact on water quality in these areas.
okay next question
What happened to the Aspen Trees when the wolves returned to Yellowstone?
Responses
Aspen trees did not grow.
Aspen trees did not grow.
Aspen trees grew to full maturity.
Aspen trees grew to full maturity.
Aspen trees stayed the same.
Aspen trees grew to full maturity.
In 1-2 sentences.
Hypothesize about what the negative effects of having wolves in Yellowstone might be. Provide 2 examples
The presence of wolves in Yellowstone may lead to a decrease in prey populations, such as elk and deer, which could disrupt the food chain and ecosystem balance. Additionally, conflicts with livestock owners outside the park borders could escalate, leading to human-wolf conflicts and potentially negative attitudes towards wolf conservation efforts.
Provide 3 examples, with explanations, from the video of changes that occurred in Yellowstone, after the wolves were reintroduced.
1. Increase in beaver population: With the return of wolves, the elk population declined, which in turn decreased browsing pressure on willows and aspen trees. This allowed these trees and shrubs to recover, providing more food and habitat for beavers, leading to an increase in the beaver population.
2. Improved water quality: The recovery of vegetation along riverbanks due to reduced elk browsing allowed for stabilization of stream banks and reduced erosion. This decrease in sediment runoff and improved riparian vegetation contributed to better water quality in rivers, streams, and lakes in Yellowstone.
3. Increase in biodiversity: The presence of wolves had cascading effects on the ecosystem, including changes in elk behavior, which led to more diverse and healthier plant communities. This, in turn, supported a wider variety of species, increasing overall biodiversity in the park.