Answer :
Final answer:
Keystone species play a crucial role in controlling populations of other species and maintaining ecosystem balance. They help to prevent the dominance of invasive species and their absence can lead to significant ecological upheavals. Overall, keystone species are essential for sustaining biodiversity within their ecosystems.
Explanation:
How Keystone Species Affect Ecosystems
A keystone species is critical to maintaining the structure and biodiversity of an ecosystem, as its presence has a disproportionate impact on the community.
Here are some ways keystone species affect their ecosystems:
- Keystone species help control the population of other species in an ecosystem. For example, the sea star Pisaster ochraceus preys on mussels, which, in their absence, can overpopulate and outcompete other species, leading to decreased biodiversity.
- Keystone species can prevent invasive species from overtaking an ecosystem. By maintaining the balance of species, keystone species may limit the resources available for invasive species to thrive.
- Keystone species do not have any effect on the ecosystem in which they live. This statement is false since keystone species are defined by their significant impact on their environments.
- Keystone species often cause the extinction of other species in an ecosystem. This statement is misleading as keystone species are vital for maintaining biodiversity; their removal often leads to declines and potential extinction of other species, due to lack of control over populations.
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