Answer :
Final answer:
A keystone species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and stability of an ecosystem. The loss of a keystone species can have far-reaching effects on the food web and ecosystem balance.
Explanation:
In a local food web, a keystone species plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and stability of the ecosystem. The keystone species is often a top predator or a plant species that has a significant influence on the abundance and diversity of other organisms in the ecosystem. For example, in a forest ecosystem, the gray wolf can be considered a keystone species.
The gray wolf feeds on herbivores such as deer, which helps regulate their population. Without the presence of the gray wolf, the deer population would increase, leading to overgrazing of vegetation and a decline in the abundance of plants. This would further impact other dependent species like rodents, birds, and even plants, causing a disruption in the food web and altering the balance of the ecosystem.
Therefore, the loss of a keystone species can have far-reaching effects. It can lead to a cascade of population changes and ultimately affect the overall health and functioning of the ecosystem.
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