The elimination of wolves from Yellowstone National Park had profound impacts on the trophic pyramid. Without predation, herbivores began to over-graze many woody browse species, affecting the area's plant populations. In addition, wolves often kept animals from grazing in riparian areas, which protected beavers from having their food sources encroached upon. The removal of wolves had a direct effect on beaver populations, as their habitat became territory for grazing. Furthermore, predation keeps hydrological features such as creeks and streams in normal working order. Increased browsing on willows and conifers along Blacktail Creek due to a lack of predation caused channel incision because they helped slow the water down and hold the soil in place. COUNT 7
QSN1 What animal's food sources were greatly affected with the loss of wolves in Yellowstone National Park? ANS1 beavers QSN2 Broader ecological impacts can occur when an apex predator is removed, in the case of Yellowstone, this includes alteration to the? ANS2 hydrological features QSN3 Loose soil from lack of trees along the river bed resulted in? ANS3 channel incision QSN4 The removal of what animal from Yellowstonw National Park affected beaver populations? ANS4 wolves QSN5 How did the removal of wolves from Yellowstone affect beaver habitats? ANS5 habitat became territory for grazing. QSN6 Why were plant populations affected after wolves were eliminated from Yellowstone? ANS6 Without predation, herbivores began to over-graze many woody browse species QSN7 How did wolves in Yellowstone help beavers eat well? ANS7 wolves often kept animals from grazing in riparian areas, which protected beavers from having their food sources encroached upon