Biologists expected that if a population of reintroduced wolves could take hold in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and the ecosystems of Central Idaho and Western Montana, they would likely subsist mostly on elk. The theory was that if wolves were reintroduced to the American West, they would destroy elk populations, which would in turn ruin elk hunting. This response to changes in predator and prey has often been referred to as an “ evolutionary arms race.”ĭespite the fact that natural selection, survival of the fittest, co-evolution and the interdependency of predator and prey are not new concepts, one theory was promoted in anti-wolf propaganda that does not take into account these common understandings of basic biology. This could mean developing better hearing, better echolocation, and better night vision, feathers that are silent in flight, or pelage, feathers, scales or skin that blend in with the surroundings. Over time, a species adapts to the evolution of its adversary, while becoming more capable at operating in its own specific niche. They are adapting evolutionarily to wolves. Therefore, elk with genes that cause them to lose their antlers later have a greater chance of not becoming prey. Wolves will target an antlerless bull even if he is in better condition than one that still has his antlers. Some elk begin to shed their antlers in mid- to late-March, before the snow is gone in many Rocky Mountain ecosystems, and before grasses have reappeared for the depleted bulls to replenish their strength. However, their antlers still provide a formidable defense. While bull elk are much larger than cow elk, wolves sense the vulnerability of the large males by late winter. This exhausting process depletes the strength and energy reserves of all rutting bulls as they head into a long and challenging winter. The winner is then able to mate and pass on his genes, but often at great expense. In violent, hormonally charged clashes that often last for weeks, the large bulls spar to the point of exhaustion, injury, or death until a victor emerges. Bull elk grow their antlers every year to be ready to compete with other bull elk for breeding rights during the rut in September and October. All other members of the deer family shed their antlers much earlier. A team of researchers in Yellowstone National Park wanted to understand why elk shed their antlers in late winter or early spring. The relationship between wolves and elk serves as an interesting example.
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