Answer :
All of the following are characteristics of keystone species, EXCEPT b. Keystone species are always the first to colonize an area
A keystone species is one whose presence is crucial for maintaining biodiversity within an ecosystem and keeping the ecological community's structure intact. They often regulate population sizes of other species and perform essential roles that support the habitat. Keystone species are not necessarily the first to colonize but are essential for ecosystem stability regardless of when they arrive.
