What is a keystone species and how does it pertain to restoration?

A. A keystone species is one that serves as a cornerstone of an ecosystem, exerting a disproportionate influence on its environment, and restoring it can help stabilize the ecosystem.

B. A keystone species is a rare species that has limited distribution, and restoring it can help increase biodiversity.

C. A keystone species is a dominant predator that regulates the population of other species, and restoring it can help control ecosystem dynamics.

D. A keystone species is an invasive species that disrupts native ecosystems, and restoring it can help restore the natural balance.

A keystone species is (a) one that serves as a cornerstone of an ecosystem, exerting a disproportionate influence on its environment, and restoring it can help stabilize the ecosystem

Explanation:

A keystone species is a species whose presence and activities have a significant impact on the structure and functioning of an ecosystem.

While keystone species may not necessarily be the most abundant species in an ecosystem, they play critical roles in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Keystone species can have far-reaching effects on community structure and function, often influencing the abundance and distribution of other species.

Restoring a keystone species can be essential for ecosystem restoration efforts because it can help stabilize and restore the ecological balance within the ecosystem, hence the correct answer is A) A keystone species is one that serves as a cornerstone of an ecosystem, exerting a disproportionate influence on its environment, and restoring it can help stabilize the ecosystem