Keystone Organism

What is a keystone species?

• A species that helps to hold an ecosystem together

• A species that lives in or around rocks

• Keys and stones have nothing to do with ecology

• A keystone isn't a living thing, it's just a stone

Which animal is the apex predator?

• hawk
• lizard
• snake
• grass

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Why are bees considered a keystone species?

• The honey they make supports the bear population

• They pollinate flowers that produce fruit which supports the ecosystem

• They sting when threatened

• They live in hives

Why are some sharks considered a keystone species?

• Because they are a top predator

• They scare off smaller fish that may overeat the plants in an area of sea grass

• They are tertiary consumers

• They are awesome

Observe the food chain above. Which organism’s population would increase if finches were removed from the ecosystem?

• Grass

• Grasshopper

• Snake

• Hawk

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3