Which of the following is the most accurate description of the impact of a keystone species on the surrounding ecosystem?

A. A keystone species is a top predator that occupies a large territory and consumes a wide variety of primary consumers in its ecosystem.

B. The removal of a keystone species would result in increased resource availability for other species in the ecosystem.

C. The removal of a keystone species would destabilize the ecosystem in its absence.

D. The addition of a keystone species to an ecosystem would generate more ecological niches for other species to occupy.

The removal of a keystone species typically leads to the destabilization of the ecosystem due to their critical roles in maintaining structure and biodiversity.

Therefore, the correct answer is: option "The removal of a keystone species would destabilize the ecosystem in its absence."

Explanation:

The most accurate description of the impact of a keystone species on the surrounding ecosystem is that the removal of a keystone species would destabilize the ecosystem in its absence.

Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.

Examples include sea stars in coral reef communities, which control mussel and sea urchin populations, and wolves in Yellowstone National Park, which manage elk and coyote populations and thereby influence a range of other species.

When a keystone species is removed, the ecosystem's balance is disrupted, leading to changes in population sizes of many other species and a potential loss of biodiversity.

Conversely, the addition of a keystone species has been shown to aid in habitat restoration and increase biodiversity.