Answer :
Final answer:
c. a foundation species. Trees in a hardwood forest exemplify a foundation species, which form the basis of their ecosystem's structure, often as primary producers and being abundant.
Explanation:
Trees in a hardwood forest are an example of a foundation species. Foundation species are considered the "base" or "bedrock" of a community, exerting the greatest influence on its overall structure. They are generally abundant and often act as primary producers within the ecosystem. An example of a foundation species is kelp, a type of brown algae, which creates and supports complex kelp forest ecosystems off the coast of California. In contrast, a pioneer species is one that can colonize barren environments devoid of soil, initiating an ecological succession, while a keystone species is one whose role is crucial for the survival of the ecosystem and a invasive species is a non-native species that can cause harm to the new environment it enters.
