Connect Post-lecture Chapter 19 questions Required information 8 How might you add \”Keystone species\” to the concept map? 8 00:22:39 Multiple Choice Saved Keystone species increase competition among all populations in a community. Keystone species influence the diversity of communities. Keystone species always live with other species in symbiosis. Keystone species are the most abundant members of communities.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
Keystone species influence the diversity of communities.
Explanation:
Keystone species play a crucial ecological role in maintaining the structure, integrity, and biodiversity of their ecosystems. Despite often being low in abundance or biomass, their presence or absence has a disproportionately large effect on the other species within the same ecosystem. The term “keystone” is derived from architecture, where the keystone is the central stone in an arch that holds all the other stones in place. Similarly, the removal of a keystone species can lead to dramatic changes or even collapse of an ecological community.
For example, sea otters are a classic keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems. By preying on sea urchins, otters prevent urchin overgrazing, which would otherwise decimate kelp forests. The loss of sea otters leads to a decrease in kelp abundance and a significant alteration of the entire marine community. This illustrates how keystone species directly influence the diversity of communities by regulating population sizes and interactions among other species.
The other options provided in the question are incorrect for the following reasons:
- “Increase competition among all populations” is not necessarily true; keystone species often reduce competition by keeping dominant species in check.
- “Always live with other species in symbiosis” is incorrect because while some keystone species may engage in symbiotic relationships, this is not a defining trait.
- “Are the most abundant members” is a misconception; keystone species are often not abundant but still have a critical role.
Therefore, understanding keystone species helps us grasp the complexity of ecosystems and the delicate balance that sustains biodiversity. Their protection is essential in conservation biology because losing them can lead to cascading effects that threaten entire ecological networks.
