How Science and Wolves Restored Yellowstone's Ecosystem

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This video takes students on a virtual field trip to Yellowstone National Park to explore the complex concept of Ecosystem-Based Management. Hosted by a narrator named Caroline, the video uses the real-world mystery of disappearing aspen and willow trees along Yellowstone's riverbanks to illustrate how scientists use data to solve ecological puzzles. It explains how removing a single predator—the gray wolf—caused a trophic cascade that destabilized the entire ecosystem, leading to erosion and the loss of other species like beavers and songbirds. The content covers key biological and environmental science themes, including biodiversity, food webs, trophic cascades, and the scientific method. It places a strong emphasis on the intersection of human activity and natural systems, detailing the controversy and economic considerations surrounding the reintroduction of wolves in 1995. The video highlights specific management strategies used to balance the needs of ranchers with conservation goals, such as livestock compensation programs and conflict prevention measures. For educators, this video serves as an excellent case study for teaching systems thinking and the nature of science. It moves beyond simple predator-prey relationships to show how scientific research informs policy and land management. The built-in pause points and inquiry questions make it ready-made for active classroom engagement, helping students understand that environmental decisions often involve balancing ecological data with human economic and social needs.