Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following scenarios best describes the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?
A
A species that is the most abundant in the ecosystem and provides the majority of biomass.
B
A species that occupies the lowest trophic level and serves as a primary producer.
C
A species whose removal causes a dramatic decrease in biodiversity and alters the structure of the entire ecosystem.
D
A species that is newly introduced and outcompetes native species for resources.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a keystone species. A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. Its presence or absence significantly affects the structure and biodiversity of the ecosystem.
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Each option describes a different type of species role in an ecosystem. Compare these descriptions to the definition of a keystone species.
Step 3: Eliminate options that do not align with the definition of a keystone species. For example, a species that is the most abundant or occupies the lowest trophic level does not necessarily have a disproportionate impact on the ecosystem.
Step 4: Focus on the option that describes a species whose removal causes a dramatic decrease in biodiversity and alters the ecosystem's structure. This aligns with the definition of a keystone species, as their absence can lead to significant ecological changes.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct scenario describing the role of a keystone species is the one where its removal causes a dramatic decrease in biodiversity and alters the structure of the entire ecosystem.