G7 C8 W1

Yellowstone Trophic Cascade

How to Use This Simulation
  1. Adjust the controls to change simulation variables
  2. Click Start to run Trophic Cascade: Yellowstone Wolves
  3. Observe the results in the display area
  4. Click Reset to try different settings
  5. Complete the Predict-Observe-Explain section below

Keyboard: Space/Enter = start/pause · R = reset · Esc = pause

Year: 1995
Wolves 14
Elk 20000
Trees 30%
River Poor
Data Journal — Record & Analyze Your Experiments
# Simulation speed Observation

What's Happening

  • Wolves eat elk, reducing overgrazing
  • Trees regrow along riverbanks
  • Roots stabilize soil, narrowing and deepening rivers
  • This is a trophic cascade — change flows down the food chain

Think About It

  • Could removing ANY species cause a cascade?
  • What would happen if elk were removed instead?
  • How does this connect to ecosystem balance in YOUR area?