Which of the following best describes an environmental problem associated with a sudden decrease in the population of a keystone species in an ecosystem?

A. A sudden decrease in the population of a keystone species is always caused by human activities.
B. The loss of a keystone species will cause a sharp increase in the primary production in an ecosystem.
C. A sudden decrease in the population of a keystone species will result in increased gene flow in a population.
D. The loss of a keystone species can have a cascading effect on the populations of other species in its food web.

The loss of a keystone species can result in a cascading effect on other species within the same food web, potentially leading to extinction cascades. These species are integral for ecosystem balance. The correct answer is (b) The loss of a keystone species will cause a sharp increase in the primary production in an ecosystem.

Explanation:

The consequences of a sudden decrease in the population of a keystone species in an ecosystem is that the loss of a keystone species can have a cascading effect on the populations of other species in its food web. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of their ecosystems, and their loss can lead to an extinction cascade, a domino effect where the disappearance of one species leads to the decline or extinction of several other species. Examples of this include the role of apex predators in controlling prey populations and maintaining balance within their ecosystems. The correct answer is (b) The loss of a keystone species will cause a sharp increase in the primary production in an ecosystem.