Ecosystem and Keystone Species Quiz

A keystone species is a plant or animal that plays a unique and ______ role in an ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

_____________ species, such as vultures, are also controlled by the activity of the mountain lion because lions leave behind carcasses for them to feed on.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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A keystone species' disappearance would start a ______ effect.

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Some species of hummingbirds are keystone species in the Sonoran Desert of North America. Hummingbirds pollinate native cactus. In areas of the Sonoran Desert with few hummingbirds, ______ species such as buffelgrass have taken over the ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Ultimately, the area had less ______ than before the sea stars were removed.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

If the otters didn't eat the urchins, the urchins would ______ the habitat's kelp.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

With elephants to control the tree population, grasses ______ and sustain grazing animals such as antelopes, wildebeests, and zebras.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Sea otters are key to protecting coastal kelp forests but consuming sea urchins. Sea otters are which type of keystone species?

• predator

• prey

• plant

• ecosystem engineer

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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A species that plays a far more important in its community than its relative abundance might suggest.

• Keystone Species

• Pioneer Species

• Indicator Species

• Exotic Species

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4