Discussion: Ecology and Biodiversity
How much impact can the loss of one species actually have on an ecosystem (the other living organisms and natural features in a given area)? After all, most species have become extinct during the history of life on the Earth. As you explore this weeks resources, you may gain a stronger understanding of how the loss of a species can impact the survival of other species. Biologists that study ecology have discovered that the decrease or loss of particular species has a much greater impact on an ecosystem than the decrease or loss of other species. Species with a much stronger influence in their ecosystems are called keystone species.
For this weeks Discussion, you explore and analyze one keystone species, the gray wolf, and its influence on the ecosystem in and around Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Then, based on your analysis, you recommend a policy to benefit this particular ecosystem.

To prepare for this Discussion:
    Review Chapter 16, Conserving Biodiversity and focus on the following:
o    What the Endangered Species Act is and why it was established
o    How extinction rates are measured
o    Causes of extinction
o    Consequences of extinction
o    Ways to prevent extinction
    Play the Trophic Cascade Game (the link to this media is in the Required Resources section). Increase or decrease the gray wolf population and observe how these changes impact other species in the region. Record your observations and consider why particular changes occurred.

http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/BIOL/1001/08/mm/trophic_cascade/index.html

    Conduct research to learn more about the gray wolf population in the Yellowstone National Park region. (You may explore the park website. In addition, there are additional articles on this topic on nature and science websites.)
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/
http://www.sciencemag.org/
http://www.scientificamerican.com/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/

    Based on your analysis, develop a policy recommendation that would benefit the ecosystem in and around Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Post a recommendation (at least two paragraphs long) for a policy that benefits the ecosystem in and surrounding Yellowstone National Park in which you:
    Briefly summarize the recommendation
    Explain how the recommendation benefits the ecosystem of the region
    Identify one possible barrier your recommendation may encounter and a suggestion on how to address the barrier
    At least two sources not included in the Required Resources
    References cited in APA format