Refer to the Figure Below Showing a Food Web in the Grasslands

question 88

Multiple Choice

Refer to the figure below showing a food web in the grasslands of Yellowstone National Park.Based on the relationships shown,which trophic cascade would most likely result from the removal of gray wolves? [Note: Red arrows refer to animals consumed by carnivores;blue arrows correspond to plants consumed by omnivores and herbivores.]

• A) Removal of gray wolves leads to fewer elk,which leads to more snowshoe hares.
• B) Removal of gray wolves leads to fewer elk,which leads to fewer snowshoe hares.
• C) Removal of gray wolves leads to more bison,which leads to fewer snowshoe hares.
• D) Removal of gray wolves leads to fewer coyotes,which leads to fewer deer mice.
• E) Removal of gray wolves leads to more coyotes,which leads to fewer deer mice.

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Definitions:

Utilitarianism

A theory in normative ethics holding that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, generally defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number of people.

Liberalism

An ideology that upholds the values of autonomy, approval by those governed, and impartiality in legal matters.

Libertarianism

The political philosophy according to which the government should punish crimes and enforce voluntary agreements but not redistribute income.

Income Redistribution

The reallocation of income across a society through taxation, monetary policies, and welfare systems.