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).
One possible response to the disappearance of bison from the ecosystem could be an increase in the elk population. With one of their primary competitors gone, the elk may experience a population boom as they no longer have to compete for resources with the bison.
This change in population dynamics could have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem. For example, the increase in elk population may lead to overgrazing of certain plant species, impacting the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem. Additionally, with less prey available, the wolf population may decline due to lack of food, further impacting the balance of the ecosystem.
This example highlights the interconnectedness of species within an ecosystem and demonstrates how the loss of one species can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem. It also underscores the importance of biodiversity in maintaining the resiliency of ecosystems. A diverse range of species helps to ensure that the ecosystem can adapt to changes and disturbances, such as the disappearance of a key species like the bison. Without this diversity, ecosystems may struggle to recover from disruptions, making them more vulnerable to collapse.