Answer :
The statement 'supports other organisms in the community through the environment it creates' accurately describes both foundation and keystone species. While foundation species shape their surroundings to support life, keystone species play essential roles in maintaining biodiversity and the community's structure.
Foundation Species vs. Keystone Species
Foundation species and keystone species are both crucial in maintaining the structure of their respective ecological communities. Foundation species are those that change and shape the environment to support other organisms, often by being primary producers and influencers of the ecosystem's overall structure. For instance, kelp is a foundation species that forms the basis of kelp forests.
On the other hand, keystone species play a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity within an ecosystem. Although they may not be as abundant as foundation species, they have a disproportionate effect on the community's structure. The intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, is an example, as it maintains the balance between mussel and other species populations.
Regarding the statement, "supports other organisms in the community through the environment it creates," it describes both foundation and keystone species. Foundation species do so by modifying and physically shaping their environment, which, in turn, supports various other species within the community. Simultaneously, keystone species maintain biodiversity and ecological equilibrium by their significant roles within the community, even if they do not always physically alter the environment.
