Answer :
Final answer:
Keystone species are species that have a significant effect on their ecosystem and community structure, maintaining biodiversity. Examples include the intertidal sea star and the banded tetra. Changes in these species' populations can disturb ecological balance.
Explanation:
A keystone species is one that has an extensive effect on its community and ecosystem, according to the description given (option C). These species have widespread interactions and their impact is critical in upholding the community's structure and maintaining biodiversity. Examples include the intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, and the banded tetra. These species play essential roles in their respective communities, and changes to their populations significantly affect the ecological balance.
For instance, the intertidal sea star preys on mussels, helping to control their population. Removing the sea star from the ecosystem results in the population of mussels increasing dramatically, which consequently alters species composition and decreases biodiversity. Similarly, the banded tetra, a tropical fish, is crucial to the incorporation of phosphorus into their aquatic ecosystem. They feed primarily on terrestrial insects and excrete phosphorus into the water. Should these fish become extinct, the phosphorus cycle, as well as relationships between other species in their community, would be strongly affected.
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