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. (4 points)
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One possible response to the disappearance of bison from the ecosystem could be an increase in the elk population. With the bison no longer competing for resources such as grazing land and vegetation, the elk population may increase due to the abundance of food sources. This increase in elk population could have a ripple effect on the rest of the ecosystem.
From a resiliency perspective, the ecosystem's ability to adapt to the loss of the bison and adjust to the increase in elk population demonstrates its resiliency. The ecosystem is able to maintain its functionality and balance despite the changes in population dynamics.
From a biodiversity perspective, the disappearance of bison could lead to a decrease in biodiversity within the ecosystem. Bison play a key role in shaping the landscape through their grazing habits, and their absence could result in changes to the plant community and overall biodiversity. This shift in species composition could impact the overall health and stability of the ecosystem.
Overall, the disappearance of bison from the ecosystem can have cascading effects on other species and the ecosystem as a whole, demonstrating the interconnectedness and interdependence of different organisms in a complex system.