Ecosystem Balance and Keystone Species

What is a keystone species?

• A species that lives in a national park

• A species that has a large role in keeping the ecosystem balanced

• A species that is close to extinction

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Otters prey on sea urchins. Sea urchins eat kelp. Kelp is home to many animals. What would happen if there were no more otters?

• The sea urchin population would die out

• The kelp population would become larger

• The homes of many animals would be destroyed by sea urchins

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What would happen to the ecosystem if the population of deer in an area became much larger?

• More plants would grow in the area

• Other herbivores may starve and die out

• The population of deer predators would decrease

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Which is one example of the role of humans as a keystone species?

• Humans can adapt to their environment

• Humans turn habitats of some species into farrmland

• Humans have dogs and cats as pets

Purple sea stars are the top predator in their ecosystem. When gone, why did all the species the purple sea star preyed on disappear?

• Their prey move to another area with more resources

• Their prey had too much food to eat

• Other predators moved into the area because there was no competition

The mountain pika is one of few animals in it's ecosystem that doesn't hibernate. How does this make them more important to their ecosystem?

• They are one of the only food sources for predators in the winter months

• They use less resources than other animals

• They destroy waterways with their burrowing

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What is an invasive species?

• A species that does not belong in a certain ecosystem

• A species that is becoming extinct

• A species that keeps an ecosystem balanced

What is an example of an invasive species affecting the balance of an ecosystem?

• Burmese pythons feed on endangered species in the Everglades

• A species of frog from another continent quickly dies out

• A new species of beetle is similar to beetles that already live in an area

Would removing wolves from Yellowstone National Park affect the balance of the ecosystem?

• No, they are a threat to wild animals and livestock

• Yes, the population of animals they prey on would increase causing too much competition for food

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