Answer :
Final answer:
A keystone species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance within an ecosystem. The intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, exemplifies how the removal of a keystone species can lead to significant ecological shifts and reduced biodiversity. Protecting such species is essential for the overall health of ecosystems.
Explanation:
What is a Keystone Species?
A keystone species is one whose presence is key to maintaining biodiversity within an ecosystem and to upholding an ecological community's structure. These species have a disproportionate impact on the overall ecosystem, meaning that even a small number of individuals can cause large-scale changes.
Importance of Keystone Species
The intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, of the northwestern United States is a well-documented example of a keystone species. Studies have shown that when this organism is removed from communities, populations of their natural prey, the mussels, increase significantly. The increase in mussel populations leads to a decrease in algae, which entirely alters species composition and reduces biodiversity in the ecosystem. This indicates that protecting keystone species is crucial for the overall health of an ecosystem.
Evidence of Pisaster ochraceus as a Keystone Species
Pisaster ochraceus plays an essential role in controlling the mussel population. When the sea star is present, it preys on the mussels, preventing them from dominating the intertidal zone. Without it, mussels would overpopulate, leading to less diversity in the ecosystem as they compete for resources, thereby limiting the habitat for other species.
Thus, protecting keystone species like Pisaster ochraceus is vital because they help maintain the balance and biodiversity of their ecological community.
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