Answer :
Final answer:
In a rocky intertidal ecosystem, the sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) is a keystone species. It maintains biodiversity by controlling the population of its primary food source, mussels. A reduced population of sea stars could lead to an increase in mussels, which may reduce biodiversity.
Explanation:
In the rocky intertidal ecosystem, the sea star, specifically the Pisaster ochraceus, is often considered a keystone species. Keystone species are organisms that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.
In this case, the sea star controls the population of mussels, which are their primary food source. If sea star populations were to decline, mussel populations would increase significantly, often outcompeting other species for space and resources, thus reducing biodiversity.
This significant effect on the ecosystem, despite their relatively small population, is why Pisaster ochraceus is identified as a keystone species.
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