Question

part b: which of the following best explains why the wolf population in the northern range changed from 1998 - 2016? a farmers in the area significantly lowered the wolf population to protect their livestock. b the drastic change in yellowstone national park’s temperature’s during 1998 and 2016 resulted in a drastic decrease in the wolf population c the increase in the number of elk in the northern range caused an increase in the wolf population. d disease eliminated a large number of elk which resulted in a decrease in the wolf population. once the disease was eradicated, the wolf population increased.

Explanation:

Wolves are predators of elk. A change in elk population due to disease would affect the wolf population as their food - source is impacted. An increase in elk due to disease eradication would provide more food for wolves, leading to a population increase.

Answer:

D. Disease eliminated a large number of elk which resulted in a decrease in the wolf population. Once the disease was eradicated, the wolf population increased.