How did the reintroduction of wolves change the ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park?

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Yellowstone National Park: Old Faithful — Yellowstone National Park Old Faithful geyser erupting, Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, northwestern Wyoming, U.S.

The reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 significantly altered the park's ecosystem. Wolves, as apex predators, helped to control the elk population, which had grown unchecked in their absence. This reduction in elk numbers allowed vegetation, such as willows and aspens, to recover along riverbanks. The regrowth of this vegetation, in turn, provided habitat and food for other species, including beavers and various birds. This ecological cascade demonstrates the crucial role of wolves in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.1