Yellowstone: Howling forever…and ever!

Yellowstone and other ecosystems have a delicate balance... can an apex predator change the whole ecosystem dynamic?

Introduction

This expedition examines the historic reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1990s and its profound effects on the park’s ecosystem, local communities, and national environmental policy. Students will explore the ecological concept of a trophic cascade, the ripple effect wolves have on the ecosystem, and how predator-prey dynamics affect populations of species like elk, beavers, and even plant life. This expedition offers a holistic view of one of the most famous wildlife conservation efforts, highlighting both its ecological significance and its real-world challenges.

Essential Questions

• How does energy flow through ecosystems and food webs?
• Why does the life of an individual organism depend upon and impact the ecosystem as a whole?
• How do organisms and species interact in the natural world?
• What is biodiversity, and why is it important?
• How do human actions affect ecosystems and species survival?

Learning Objectives

• Analyze and explain how energy flows through ecosystems and how species interact within food webs.
• Investigate and communicate how the introduction or removal of a species affects biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
• Evaluate the impact of human activity on natural environments and propose informed solutions to protect ecosystems.
• Use research, documentation, and project management strategies to plan and carry out a long-term science-based project.
• Creatively and effectively communicate scientific ideas and ecological systems through multimedia, argumentation, or storytelling.