Answer :
A keystone species is one that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. If lions were removed, zebra and wildebeest populations could increase unchecked, leading to overgrazing, habitat degradation, and imbalances in the ecosystem.
1.Herbivore Population Increase: Without lions to control their numbers, the populations of zebras and wildebeest would likely increase dramatically.
2.Overgrazing: As the populations of zebras and wildebeest grow, they would consume more vegetation. This can lead to overgrazing, which can severely damage the plant life in the area.
3.Ecosystem Degradation: Overgrazing can lead to soil erosion, loss of plant species, and a general decline in the quality of the habitat. This can make the area less hospitable for other species, leading to a decrease in biodiversity.
4.Extinction Cascades: The loss of the keystone predator and the resulting changes in the ecosystem can create a series of linked extinction events known as an extinction cascade. This occurs as the effects of overgrazing and habitat degradation ripple through the ecosystem, affecting numerous other species.
