Over the last 100 years,the number of elk in Yellowstone has varied in part because of the limited availability of winter food sources and many types of predators,including wolves (eliminated in 1926 and reintroduced in 1995),grizzly bears,coyotes,black bears,and golden eagles.
-The population of elk in Yellowstone
A)reflects top-down and bottom-up population regulation.
B)has survived because of the elimination of a keystone species.
C)would have been more stable if there had only been one predator species.
D)would be better off if all predators were eliminated from the park.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fluctuation in population size of elk in Yellowstone suggests the presence of both top-down (predator) and bottom-up (food availability) regulation of the population. The presence of multiple predator species also indicates a more natural and diverse ecosystem compared to if there was only one predator species or if all predators were eliminated. The elimination of wolves, considered a keystone species, actually had a negative impact on the overall health and diversity of the Yellowstone ecosystem.

Over the Last 100 Years,the Number of Elk in Yellowstone