Answer :
Final answer:
Removing a keystone species can lead to significant disruptions in an ecosystem, potentially causing its collapse. This occurs because keystone species play essential roles in maintaining ecological balance. The impact can be widespread, affecting various species and habitats within the ecosystem.
Explanation:
Impact of Removing a Keystone Species
A keystone species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community. When a keystone species is removed, the ecosystem is likely to experience significant changes, and in many cases, it may lead to the collapse of that ecosystem.
The removal of a keystone species, such as the sea otter in kelp forests, can disrupt the balance of the entire ecosystem. For example, sea otters predate on sea urchins; without sea otters, sea urchin populations can explode, leading to overgrazing of kelp forests. This drastic change can result in loss of habitat for numerous other species, showing how interconnected ecosystems are.
Possible Outcomes:
- The ecosystem may collapse or drastically change
- Only the keystone species will be affected is incorrect; its removal will affect the entire community.
- All species thriving is unlikely, as the balance would be disrupted.
In conclusion, removing a keystone species typically results in harmful consequences that threaten the stability and diversity of the ecosystem.
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