Keystone Species

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is the most abundant in an ecosystem

• A species that has a crucial role in the way an ecosystem functions

• A species that is the largest in an ecosystem

• A species that is the smallest in an ecosystem

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What can happen to an ecosystem without keystone species?

• The ecosystem would remain the same

• The ecosystem would become more diverse

• The ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist

• The ecosystem would have more predators

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What is often a characteristic of a keystone species?

• They are usually herbivores

• They are often predators

• They are always the largest animals

• They are always the smallest animals

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What is an example of a keystone species mentioned in the text?

• Deer

• Rabbits

• Oysters

• Vultures

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What happened to the biodiversity of the area when the oysters were removed?

• It increased.

• It decreased.

• It stayed the same.

• It fluctuated.

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What role do sea otters play in the Pacific Northwest ecosystem?

• They eat kelp.

• They control the sea urchin population.

• They are prey for crabs.

• They burrow in the soil.

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Two or more species that engage in mutually beneficial interactions.

• mutualists

• engineers

• invasives

• predators

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A keystone species fills a unique ecological niche and therefore carries unique functions in an ecosystem

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Why is biodiversity important?

• Species diversity ensures natural sustainability

• Species are more resistant to disease and disturbances

• Creates a functional and healthy ecosystem

• Purifies our air and water supplies

• All of the above

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What is the role of elephant dung in the ecosystem?

• It provides food for other animals

• It helps spread seeds and provides nutrients

• It helps control the population of other animals

• It helps build dams and prevent floods

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