Wolf and Elk in Yellowstone
Assessment
Wolves once roamed the Northern Rockies and preyed on elk. Over time, wolves were eliminated from the region because of competition with humans. Humans released a population of wolves back into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. After 1995, no additional wolves have been added by humans into Yellowstone National Park. You are working on a team that is studying how the reintroduction of wolves affects the elk population. To determine this, you will be looking at data to find trends in the wolf and elk populations.
Wolf populations in the western United States were once reduced to the point of becoming an endangered species. In 1995, a small population of wolves was reintroduced back into Yellowstone National Park. Since the reintroduction, the park has allowed the natural cycle of the wolves to occur within the park. In the park region, the wolves prey heavily on the elk in addition to deer, bison, and other smaller prey. You are working on a team that is studying how the reintroduction of wolves affects the elk population. To determine this, you will be looking at data to find trends in the wolf and elk populations. Click Next to get started!
Topics and standards: Science, NGSS, Life Science, MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-4, LS2.C, Ecosystems, Ecosystem Relationships, Engaging in Argument from Evidence, Stability & Change, Grades 6-8, 3D Science Tasks, Tuva + ETS, TEKS Science 6.12.A, TEKS Science 7.12.B, TEKS Science 8.12.A, TEKS Science 8.12.B, 6-LS2-1, 6-LS2-4, Assessment, 3.1.6-8.I, 3.1.6-8.L