Introduction to Critical role organisms

A ​ (a)   species is a plant or animal that plays a unique and ​ (b)   role in the way an ecosystem functions. Without keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or ​ (c)   to exist altogether.

• keystone
• crucial
• cease

A keystone species is often, but not always, a ​ (a)   (animal that hunts other animals for food). A few predators can control the ​ (b)   and population of large numbers of ​ (c)   species.

• predator
• distribution
• prey

A keystone species' disappearance would start a ​ (a)   effect. Other species in the habitat would also disappear and become ​ (b)   . The keystone species' disappearance could affect other species that ​ (c)   on it for survival.

• domino
• extinct
• rely

In Yellowstone National Park, the Wolves were taken out, the Elk were eating all of the aspen trees, which led to less habitat and food for the beavers in the streams.

It also polluted the streams because aspen tree roots were not there to hold the stream bank together.

What animal needed to be controlled the most?

• Wolves

• Elk

• Beavers

• Aspen trees

In Yellowstone, which is the keystone species?

• Wolves

• Elk

• Beavers

• Aspen trees

​ (a)   species play a major role in creating or ​ (b)   a habitat that supports other species.

Corals produce the ​ (c)   structures on which countless other organisms, including human beings, ​ (d)  

• Foundation
• maintaining
• live.
• reef

Corals would be considered a foundation species, what do they provide for the other organisms in the area?

• Food

• Shelter/Protection

• Habitat

• All of these

An ​ (a)   species is a large animal or other organism on which many other species ​ (b)   Umbrella species are different from  ​ (c)   species, because umbrella species are usually ​ (d)   and need a large habitat. 

• umbrella
• depend.
• keystone
• migratory

When we  protect pandas, we invariably protect other animals that live around them, such as multicolored pheasants, the golden monkey, takin, and crested ibis.

What species would the Panda be considered?

• Keystone

• Umbrella

• Foundation

An ​ (a)   species (sometimes referred to as bioindicators) is a plant or animal that is very ​ (b)   to environmental changes in its ecosystem. This means it is affected almost immediately by damage to the ​ (c)   and can give early warning that a habitat is ​ (d)   .

• indicator
• sensitive
• ecosystem
• suffering