Wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. The graph below shows the population size of the wolf and elk populations over time. Which of the following best describes the
CHANGE in the elk population since the introduction of wolves into Yellowstone in 1995?
ELK AND WOLVES IN YELLOWSTONE
20.000
200
18,000
EN
Wolves
180
16.000
160
14.000
M
140
12.000
120
Northern Range Eik Population
10.000
100
Yellowstone Wolf Population
8,000
80
6.000
60
4.000
40
2.000
20
9960 1969 1968 1969 1972 1979 1978 1981 1984 1987 1990 1995 1996 1999 2002 2005 2008 2011
The elk population steadily increased in numbers.
The elk population steadily decreased in numbers.
The elk population remained stable, experiencing little changes.
O The elk population reached carrying capacity and experienced overshoot.