Answer :
Final answer:
Keystone species are essential for maintaining the health and biodiversity of ecosystems, as their removal can lead to significant ecological changes. A well-known example is the intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, which significantly impacts its environment. Their role in regulating populations and maintaining ecological balance is crucial to ecosystem stability.
Explanation:
Understanding Keystone Species
A keystone species plays a significant role in maintaining the health of an ecosystem. These species have a disproportionate impact on their environment, meaning that even a small change in their population can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem's structure and species diversity.
For example, the intertidal sea star, Pisaster ochraceus, is considered a keystone species. Research has shown that when this sea star is removed, its prey, such as mussels, can proliferate rapidly. This overpopulation of mussels then leads to a decrease in algae and ultimately changes the overall species composition, reducing biodiversity.
Fortunately, not all keystone species are critically endangered or extinct; rather, many play essential roles in their ecosystems. Interestingly, some apex predators like lions and cheetahs are also classified as keystone species because they help to regulate herbivore populations, preventing overgrazing and promoting a balanced ecosystem.
Conclusions
In summary, it is crucial to recognize that keystone species greatly influence their ecosystems. Therefore, the statement that 'Keystone species do not affect an ecosystem' is false, while the assertion that 'Keystone species play a significant role in maintaining the health of an ecosystem' is true.
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