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Multiple Choice
What is the most likely effect of reintroducing wolves into a national park on the populations of coyotes, grass, and ravens?
A
Coyote populations would remain unchanged, grass abundance would decrease, and raven populations would remain unchanged.
B
Coyote populations would increase, grass abundance would decrease, and raven populations would decrease.
C
Coyote populations would increase, grass abundance would increase, and raven populations would decrease.
D
Coyote populations would decrease, grass abundance would increase, and raven populations would increase.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the ecological concept of trophic cascades. Wolves are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain. Their presence can influence the populations of other species in the ecosystem indirectly through predation and behavioral changes in prey species.
Step 2: Analyze the relationship between wolves and coyotes. Wolves and coyotes often compete for similar prey, and wolves may directly prey on coyotes or outcompete them. Reintroducing wolves is likely to decrease coyote populations.
Step 3: Examine the impact on grass abundance. Coyotes prey on herbivores such as deer or elk. With fewer coyotes, wolves may regulate herbivore populations more effectively, reducing overgrazing and allowing grass abundance to increase.
Step 4: Consider the effect on raven populations. Ravens are scavengers and often benefit from the presence of apex predators like wolves, as wolves leave behind carcasses that ravens can feed on. Reintroducing wolves is likely to increase raven populations.
Step 5: Summarize the expected outcomes. Reintroducing wolves into the national park would likely decrease coyote populations, increase grass abundance, and increase raven populations due to the ecological interactions described above.