In the Northwestern United States Wolves, a keystone species, are seen as a threat to livestock and were eliminated in the
Northwestern United States. As a result, elk, the wolf's natural prey, overpopulated and
overgrazed the bushes and trees. With less vegetation, soil along rivers began to erode.
Organism
Role in Ecosystem
Sea Otter
A carnivore that eats the primary consumers of
kelp forests, an important marine habitat
White Tailed Deer A herbivore that consumes parts of trees and
provides food for predators such as wolves and
mountain lions
Big Bluestem A producer that provides habitat and food for
animals such as bison
Dung Beetle A decomposer that consumes animal waste and
returns nutrients to the soil
Mark only one oval.
(A) Sea Otter
(B) White Tailed Deer
(C) Big Bluestem
(D) Dung Beetle