Species Category Flashcard

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What is a keystone species?

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A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Its removal can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.

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What are prey species?

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Prey species are organisms that are hunted and eaten by predators. They serve as an important food supply for many other animals in the food chain.

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What are mutualist species?

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Mutualist species are organisms that engage in mutualism, a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

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What are predator species?

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Predator species are organisms that hunt and consume other organisms (prey) for food, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

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What are threatened species?

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Threatened species are species that are likely to become endangered in the near future due to various factors such as habitat loss, pollution, or overexploitation.

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What are invasive species?

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Invasive species are non-native species that spread widely in a new habitat, often causing harm to native species and ecosystems.

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What are native species?

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Native species are organisms that naturally occur in a specific region or ecosystem and have adapted to the local environment.

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What is the role of keystone species in an ecosystem?

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Keystone species help maintain the structure of an ecological community, influencing the types and numbers of various other species in the environment.

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What happens if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

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The removal of a keystone species can lead to a cascade of negative effects, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem and potentially leading to the decline or extinction of other species.

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What is an example of a keystone species?

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An example of a keystone species is the sea otter, which helps control sea urchin populations, thereby maintaining kelp forest ecosystems.