How effectively does this answer assess the reintroduction of

Grey Wolf to Yellowstone National Park? [8

marks]
- Highlight the use of facts, stats and/or specifics
- Underline in green where assessment of the positives occurs
- Underline in red where assessment of the negatives occurs
Ecosystems are fragile systems that can be easily be disrupted due to the
relationships between biotic and abiotic factors. One example of how
biotic factors can influence an ecosystem is that of the Grey Wolf and its
reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park from 1995.
In my opinion I believe the reintroduction of grey wolves helped the
ecosystem in Yellowstone national park. Before 1995, the grey wolves
were absent from the 1930s as people felt they were dangerous and
encouraged bears to the area. However the loss of the wolves led to a
rapid growth in deer and rabbit populations. This had a knock on impact
on the vegetation and encouraged soil erosion.
However the reintroduction of the grey wolves led to a decline the Elk
population, which fell from 20,000 to 10,000 in 8 years. This led to a
reduction in grazing pressure on vegetation allowing for the regeneration
of aspen and cottonwood. This then led to increased stability on river
banks, as the roots of the vegetation helped to bind the soil. This meant
there was less erosion and instead more woody debris which created
habitats for beavers and trout.
On the other hand though the grey wolves and coyotes were competing
for food, the grey wolves were dominant and this led to a decline in the
coyote population and meant that there was an increase in rodents like
voles and mice. To some degree this is good, but it is also negative
because they may be a nuisance for people living in the national park and
it also meant that there was an increase in grizzly bears which also pose a
danger to humans visiting the national park for leisure.
However despite the negatives, overall I think the reintroduction had
mostly positive effects on the ecosystem because it meant that there was
regeneration of vegetation, reduced erosion and more habitats for
wildlife.