The Kaibab Plateau had a decline in deer population due to increased competition for grazing fields by cattle and a rise in the number of predators feeding on the deer. Thus, it was logical, but not prudent in the long run, to eliminate competitors and predators to the deer. As such, the population of this species rose rapidly and depleted available resources such as grass and water, eventually experiencing challenges such as diseases and death due to lack of sufficient food. Over the years of observation of the phenomena on the plateau, critical lessons about letting nature balance itself have been learned. Therefore, it is wise to consider the long term effects of any slight alterations in the ecosystem.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Relationship of the Deer Herd to the Carrying Capacity
- Effects of Various Actions Taken by the Forest Service from 1907-1920
- Lessons Learnt from 1905-1939
Objectives and Key Themes
This report examines the impact of human intervention on the delicate balance of the Kaibab Plateau ecosystem, focusing on the deer herd and its relationship to the carrying capacity. The report aims to describe the changes in the deer population over time, explore the effects of various actions taken by the Forest Service, and highlight the lessons learned about the importance of understanding ecological complexities.
- Carrying Capacity and Population Dynamics
- The Impact of Predator Removal and Habitat Management
- The Importance of Ecological Balance
- Lessons Learned from the Kaibab Plateau Case Study
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction: The report sets the context by defining carrying capacity and outlining the historical situation of the Kaibab Plateau deer herd, emphasizing the decline in deer numbers due to predation and competition.
- The Relationship of the Deer Herd to the Carrying Capacity: This section analyzes the relationship between the deer population and the carrying capacity of the Kaibab Plateau, highlighting how changes in predator and competitor populations led to significant fluctuations in the deer population. The impact of the carrying capacity on the ecosystem and the potential for overgrazing are discussed.
- Effects of Various Actions Taken by the Forest Service from 1907-1920: This chapter focuses on the interventions by the Forest Service, such as the elimination of predators and competitors, and their consequences on the deer population and the environment. It explores the unintended consequences of disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Keywords
The core keywords and focus topics of this report include carrying capacity, predator-prey relationships, ecosystem management, ecological balance, overgrazing, population dynamics, and the Kaibab Plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the deer population on the Kaibab Plateau?
Initially, the population declined due to competition and predators. After human intervention removed these threats, the population exploded, leading to overgrazing and a subsequent massive die-off due to starvation and disease.
What is "carrying capacity"?
Carrying capacity is the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can sustainably support without degrading the ecosystem's resources like food and water.
What actions did the Forest Service take between 1907 and 1920?
The Forest Service eliminated natural predators (like wolves and cougars) and competitors (like cattle) to protect the deer herd, which disrupted the natural ecological balance.
What were the unintended consequences of removing predators?
Without natural predators to control their numbers, the deer population grew beyond the plateau's carrying capacity, causing severe damage to the vegetation and leading to mass starvation.
What critical lesson was learned from the Kaibab Plateau case?
The main lesson is the importance of letting nature balance itself and carefully considering the long-term effects of any human alterations to a delicate ecosystem.
How does overgrazing affect an ecosystem?
Overgrazing depletes available plant resources, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and the eventual collapse of the animal populations that depend on those plants.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Amos Wesonga (Author), 2016, Kaibab Plateau Carrying Capacity Report, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/439532
