Text 1: Biologist Hassan argues that the loss of apex predators triggers cascading damage across ecosystems. When wolves were removed from Yellowstone, elk populations exploded, overgrazing willows and aspens along streambanks. Reintroducing wolves in 1995 reversed this damage: elk became wary, vegetation recovered, and even beaver populations rebounded.
Text 2: Biologist Wu cautions that the Yellowstone story has been oversimplified. Wolves did contribute to elk decline, but milder winters, increased grizzly predation, and human hunting pressure also reduced elk numbers. Vegetation recovery, Wu writes, varies by location and may reflect changes in climate and hydrology as much as wolf reintroduction.
How would Wu (Text 2) most likely respond to Hassan's account of the Yellowstone ecosystem?
- A
She would agree that wolves were the sole cause of vegetation recovery.
- B
She would deny that wolves had any effect on elk populations.
- C
She would claim that Yellowstone's elk population never declined.
- Dcheck_circle
She would argue that wolves played a role but other factors must also be considered.
Explanation
Wu acknowledges wolves' contribution but argues for a multifactor explanation. C captures her qualified view. A, B, and D contradict her stated position.