8What purpose does paragraph 8 serve in the text?A.It explains additional factors identified by the simulation. B.It outlines how the simulation models the problem. C.It illustrates the results predicted by the simulation. D.It describes the variables used to create the simulation. ### Overview of Bison Population Modeling in Yellowstone National Park#### Simulation ModelThe model simulates the populations of the two main bison breeding herds in Yellowstone National Park, as well as nine plant groups. Eight simulations covering 50 years were conducted to assess whether Yellowstone bison have exceeded their food-limited carrying capacity within the park. The simulations restricted bison from expanding their range beyond park boundaries and predicted herd sizes by estimating the mean size, median size, and range of each herd size. These predictions were compared to the actual 2005 bison population data.#### Key Components of the Model**Figure 2** showcases selected essential components of the SAVANNA ecosystem model, which includes:- Hunting/Culling- Bison Distribution- Bison Population- Plant Consumption- Weather- Fire- Plant Production- Soils- Water Budget#### Simulation Results**Figure 3** illustrates the simulation results and compares them to the 2005 bison population data. Key observations include:- The simulated bison population was larger than the actual 2005 population.- The northern herd's actual population in 2005 was notably smaller than the smallest prediction from the model.- The central herd's actual population size was less than all simulations predicted.#### Analysis and FindingsThe results imply that:- Actual bison numbers could have increased by 2000 before risking exhaustion of food supply.- The carrying capacity had not been exceeded since actual numbers were lower than predictions.- Bison could face reduced food intake due to adverse weather conditions affecting food availability, despite food not being limited according to model predictions.#### ConclusionsThough the model predicted potential increases in bison population, the constant food supply ensured that carrying capacity limits were not exceeded. It was suggested bison explore outside park areas or expand their range within the park to maintain a balanced population density, thereby improving nutrition and survival.#### ReferencesCoughenour, M. B. (2005). Spatial-dynamic modeling of bison carrying capacity in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem: A synthesis of bison movements, population dynamics, and interactions with vegetation. Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.White, P., Plumb, G., Coughenour, M., and Wallen, R. “Carrying Capacity and Movements of Yellowstone Bison.” *Yellowstone Science* 19.1 (2011). Web. **Carrying Capacity and the Bison of Yellowstone National Park***The following text is adapted from an article in Yellowstone Science, a journal published by the National Park Service.*1. An important part of the Yellowstone National Park ecosystem, bison are the largest land mammals in North America. Yellowstone bison historically occupied approximately 7,720 square miles (20,000 km²) in the headwaters of the Yellowstone and Madison rivers. Today, this range is restricted to primarily Yellowstone National Park and some adjacent areas of Montana. The bison population is subdivided into the central and northern breeding herds.2. One of the key issues related to the Yellowstone bison population is how it should be managed. From the beginning of the twentieth century through 1966, bison numbers were kept in check through regular culling. This culling was stopped in 1969. Officials decided to allow bison numbers to fluctuate according to such factors as weather, the availability of resources, and predators. The result was a dramatic increase in the numbers of Yellowstone bison. Figure 1 shows population numbers for the central and northern herds for 1970–2010. - **Figure 1**: This graph presents data for bison observed during aerial surveys conducted between July 1970 and August 2010. The y-axis indicates the number of bison, ranging from 0 to 4000. The x-axis shows the years from 1970 to 2010. Two sets of data points are represented: the central herd and the northern herd, both marked by different symbols. The graph shows a general increase in population over the 40-year period.3. As the number of Yellowstone bison increased, more bison began migrating to areas outside of the Yellowstone Park boundaries during the winter months. In the 1940s, Yellowstone bison were concentrated in two main areas comprising a relatively small portion of the park. By 2007, the range of Yellowstone bison was greatly expanded. Bison were found throughout Yellowstone Park and even beyond its boundaries.4. Bison are migratory. They move to lower elevation ranges during the winter months in response to snow accumulation and snowpack development. They also change their diets slightly during the winter, preferring to feed in lowland meadows where the growth of sedges and grasses is concentrated. The movement of the bison beyond park boundaries, however, raised questions about whether their numbers were too high and

simulation models is used to represent or create a process that help to solve real world problem…

Answered: What purpose does paragraph 8 serve in…

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...