Answer :
Final answer:
True, the keystone species is vital in maintaining the biodiversity and stability in an ecosystem. Removing a keystone species can create population shifts, negatively impact biodiversity, and alter the balance of ecosystem. Examples include the intertidal sea star, the banded tetra, and the wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
Explanation:
True, the keystone species is indeed crucial to an ecosystem's balance. The term keystone species refers to a species that plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem structure. Their presence significantly influences other members of the community. Removing a keystone species from an ecosystem can upset the balance, lead to population shifts, and even trigger the decline or rise of other species.
Examples of keystone species are the intertidal sea star (Pisaster ochraceus) in the northwestern United States and the banded tetra in tropical streams. In the case of the sea star, removing it from the ecosystem led to a dramatic increase in mussel populations, changing the species composition and negatively impacting biodiversity. With the banded tetra, this fish supplies nearly all of the phosphorus in its ecosystem, a crucial nutrient for other species. Therefore, these keystone species' disappearance can substantially affect the community's stability.
A great example of the keystone species concept in action is the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. By suppressing elk and coyote populations, the wolves not only increased biodiversity in the park by allowing new species to thrive but also led to the restoration of specific natural habitats.
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