Wolves in Yellowstone: why “Trophic Cascade” should become a household term

This is an amazing story of the interweavings of interdependence in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Reintroducing wolves into Yellowstone National Park after nearly 70 years of absence has been controversial. Some of its effects have been expected, and some have been completely unexpected. Alongside discussions of pack size, tourism, and rancher’s losses, what is known as a “trophic cascade” occurred. This is when a predator species suppresses a prey, thus releasing pressure on that animal’s food source. In this case, the effects have been incredibly complex and utterly transformative to the Yellowstone ecosystem.

 The complexity is nothing new, but our coming to understand it is.

It’s as beautiful as it is humbling.