The elk and deer population soared in Yellowstone National Park in the early 1900s when wolves were completely removed from the park. What happened to grasslands in Yellowstone after wolves were reintroduced in 1995?

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C Rationale: Grasslands flourished because of lower populations of deer and elk eating the grass after wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995.

With the return of wolves, the deer and elk populations decreased due to predation, allowing vegetation to recover. The reduction in herbivores meant less overgrazing, leading to a resurgence of plant life and improved biodiversity in grasslands. This contrasts with the other options; the increase in small burrowing animals would not directly cause barrenness, tree stands do not result solely from herbivore decline, and wolves walking on grasses would not lead to sparser conditions. The ecological balance restored by wolves allowed grasslands to thrive again.

NLN NEX Science

The elk and deer population soared in Yellowstone National Park in the early 1900s when wolves were completely removed from the park. What happened to grasslands in Yellowstone after wolves were reintroduced in 1995?

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