Predators play a vital role in regulating populations from "summary" of The Serengeti Rules by Sean B. Carroll
In the Serengeti, predators are the architects of life. They are not just killers; they are the sculptors of ecosystems, the regulators of populations. Without predators, the delicate balance of nature would be thrown into chaos. Predators keep prey populations in check, preventing them from overrunning their habitat and devouring all available resources. This regulation is essential for maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems. When predators are removed, prey populations explode, leading to a cascade of negative consequences for the entire ecosystem. For example, when wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after being absent for decades, they had a profound impact on the landscape. The elk population, which had exploded in the absence of predators, was brought under control. This, in turn, allowed vegetation t...
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