Keystone Species

Front

What is a keystone species?

Back

A species that helps to hold an ecosystem together.

Front

What does the term 'niche' refer to in ecology?

Back

The particular role (job) of an organism in its environment, including types of food it eats, how it obtains its food, and how it interacts with other organisms.

Front

What happens to biodiversity when a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?

Back

Biodiversity goes down.

Front

Define biodiversity.

Back

A wide variety of plants and animals in an ecosystem.

Front

What are apex predators?

Back

Species that maintain biodiversity by keeping prey populations controlled.

Front

What is the difference between a keystone species and an invasive species?

Back

A keystone species is crucial for maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, while an invasive species disrupts the ecosystem balance.

Front

Give an example of a keystone species.

Back

Sea otters are a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems.

Front

What role do keystone species play in an ecosystem?

Back

They help to maintain the structure and balance of the ecosystem.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

A community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment.

Front

What is the impact of losing biodiversity?

Back

It can lead to ecosystem instability and loss of resilience.