Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Keystone predators can maintain species diversity in a community if they:
A
only prey on the least abundant species
B
eliminate all herbivores from the ecosystem
C
reduce the population of the most competitive species
D
increase the reproductive rate of all species equally
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a keystone predator: A keystone predator is a species that has a disproportionately large impact on its ecosystem relative to its abundance. Its actions help maintain species diversity by preventing any one species from dominating the community.
Analyze the role of competition in ecosystems: In many ecosystems, certain species are more competitive than others, meaning they can outcompete other species for resources such as food, space, or light. If these competitive species are unchecked, they can reduce biodiversity by excluding less competitive species.
Consider the impact of predation: Keystone predators often target the most competitive species, reducing their population size. This action prevents the competitive species from monopolizing resources, allowing less competitive species to thrive and maintain diversity in the ecosystem.
Evaluate the incorrect options: Preying only on the least abundant species would not maintain diversity, as it could lead to extinction of those species. Eliminating all herbivores would disrupt the food web and harm the ecosystem. Increasing the reproductive rate of all species equally does not address the issue of competitive dominance.
Conclude the correct mechanism: By reducing the population of the most competitive species, keystone predators create opportunities for other species to coexist, thereby maintaining species diversity in the community.