After the number of wolves declined in Yellowstone National Park, ____.
A) the ecosystem recovered and became more stable
B) herds of elk, moose, and mule deer devastated willow and aspen trees near streams and rivers
C) the elk population crashed
D) forest fires decreased in frequency because the larger mule deer population controlled undergrowth
E) coyotes took over their role in the ecosystem, leading to few changes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without predators such as wolves, the population of herbivores such as elk, moose, and mule deer increased drastically. These large herds began to overgraze and damage the vegetation, particularly willow and aspen trees near streams and rivers. This led to significant changes in the ecosystem as other species, such as beavers and birds, depend on these trees for food and nesting habitats.

After the Number of Wolves Declined in Yellowstone National Park