Ecology
Why are wolves considered a keystone species?
Wolves are considered a keystone species because their presence has a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance. The removal or return of an apex predator like the wolf can change the entire structure and balance of an ecosystem.
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species (like the wolf) has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance its removal drastically changes the ecosystem, and its reintroduction can reverse those changes.
Why were wolves reintroduced?
To restore apex predators, control overabundant elk populations, and restore ecological balance after wolves were eradicated.
Are reintroduced wolves genetically diverse enough?
Initial reintroductions (like Yellowstone's gray wolves from Canada) focused on bringing in new bloodlines to boost diversity, but ongoing monitoring is crucial to prevent inbreeding in smaller, isolated populations.
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What is a trophic cascade, and how do wolves cause one?
A trophic cascade occurs when top predators suppress the populations or change the behavior of their prey, thereby releasing the next lower trophic level from predation.
How do wolves affect elk behavior?
Wolves reduce elk numbers but also change where elk graze, making them more vigilant and less likely to linger in vulnerable areas (like river valleys), allowing vegetation to grow.
What happened to other animals?
Beaver populations increased due to more vegetation; songbirds, insects, and even fish benefited from better habitats and ponds. Coyote numbers decreased as wolves killed them, making elk more vigilant.
How does hybridization with coyotes affect wolf genetics?
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Do wolves need vast wilderness areas to survive?
While large, undisturbed areas like national parks provide ideal habitat, wolves are adaptable and can live almost anywhere if they have abundant wild prey and are tolerated by humans.
What is a trophic cascade?
A trophic cascade is a top-down effect where the introduction of a top predator (wolves) affects prey (elk), which then affects plants (willows, aspens), influencing the entire food web and even physical landscape (rivers).
Did wolves physically change the landscape?
Yes, by reducing elk, they allowed plants to regrow, which stabilized soil, reduced erosion, and even changed the course of rivers, showing a dramatic impact on the physical environment.
What's the deal with the black wolf gene?
A gene variant causes black fur in North American gray wolves. Studies show black wolves often have higher immunity to distemper virus, suggesting natural selection favors this trait in areas with recurring outbreaks, benefiting population health.
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What ecological problems did the eradication of wolves cause?
The removal of wolves in the early 20th century, which became complete in YNP by the 1920s, led to an imbalance in the ecosystem.
What are some specific vegetation changes?
With reduced elk browsing, willow and aspen populations rebounded, providing food and habitat for beavers. Beaver dams, in turn, create ponds, store water, and cool streams, benefiting fish and birds.
What does "keystone species" mean in this context?
A species (like the wolf) whose presence or absence has a disproportionately large effect on its ecosystem, crucial for maintaining biodiversity and structure.
Are mexican gray wolves genetically distinct from other gray wolves?
They are a smaller subspecies adapted to arid regions. Genetic studies have largely confirmed their distinctness from general gray wolves, showing continuity with their historic lineage, despite early concerns about dog/coyote ancestry.
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Lebron James
What were the main ecological effects of reintroducing wolves in Yellowstone in 1995?
The reintroduction initiated a trophic cascade that restored balance and increased biodiversity.
Did wolves affect other predators?
Wolf kills provide food for scavengers, and reduced coyote numbers (due to competition/predation from wolves) benefit smaller prey like mice and foxes, increasing overall biodiversity.
Was the reintroduction successful?
Largely, yes, it revitalized ecosystems, though it faced significant public opposition and controversy?
How are genetics used in conservation beyond just reintroduction?
Techniques like cloning (used to boost the endangered red wolf gene pool) and genetic engineering (like in the Dire Wolf project to understand traits) help conservationists understand and potentially enhance endangered species' genomes.
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