Answer :
While direct interactions with other species can be a characteristic of some keystone species, it is not an essential characteristic that applies to all keystone species. Hence, Option (C) is correct.
Keystone species are defined by their disproportionate impact on the community, where their removal or loss leads to significant changes in the ecosystem.
This impact can result from various factors, such as their role in ecosystem processes, their interactions with certain species, or their influence on key resources.
Keystone species can have specific interactions with certain species or play a crucial role in specific ecological processes, but they do not necessarily interact with every species in the community.
Thus, direct interaction with every other species in the community is not a necessary characteristic of a keystone species.
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What is not an essential characteristic of a keystone species?
a) A relatively low abundance compared to other species in the community.
b) Removal of the species leads to a large change in the community.
c) Direct interaction (through competition or predation) with every other species in the community.
d)A high impact on the community relative to its population size.
