What ultimately happens to the sled team under the management of Mercedes, Hal, and Charles?

The sled team under the management of Mercedes, Hal, and Charles experiences a tragic end, which aligns with the harsh realities depicted in the story. As they travel through the unforgiving wilderness of the Yukon, their lack of experience and poor decision-making significantly contributes to the decline of the team. This management trio is portrayed as inept, pushing the dogs beyond their limits and failing to heed the signs of their exhaustion. Ultimately, this leads to a catastrophic situation where the dogs are overworked, underfed, and suffer from neglect.

Additionally, their failure to understand the environment and the needs of the animals culminates in a disturbing downfall. The sled team is pushed to the brink of collapse, leading to dire consequences. This tragic turn of events underscores the themes of survival and the brutal realities of nature present in Jack London’s narrative, illustrating that survival often requires respect for the limits of both animals and the environment.