Keystone Species and Ecosystem Dynamics Quiz

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is the most numerous in an ecosystem

• A species that plays a crucial role in an ecosystem

• A species that is the largest in an ecosystem

• A species that is the fastest in an ecosystem

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What effect does the disappearance of a keystone species have on an ecosystem?

• It has no effect

• It causes a domino effect

• It increases biodiversity

• It stabilizes the ecosystem

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Which species is mentioned as a keystone species in the Sonoran Desert?

• Mountain lion

• Sea otter

• Hummingbird

• Elephant

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What happens to mussels when sea stars are removed from their ecosystem?

• Mussels decrease in number

• Mussels take over the area

• Mussels become extinct

• Mussels migrate to another area

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What role do sea otters play in their ecosystem?

• They consume sea stars

• They control the population of sea urchins

• They pollinate native cactus

• They feed on mussels

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What is the primary food source for sea otters in the Pacific Northwest?

• Sea urchins

• Mussels

• Sea stars

• Cactus

Which animal is a keystone species in the African savanna?

• Lion

• Elephant

• Zebra

• Antelope

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How do elephants maintain the savanna ecosystem?

• By eating sea urchins

• By pollinating flowers

• By eating small trees and keeping the savanna a grassland

• By controlling the population of mice

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What happens to the ecosystem if sea otters are removed?

• The ecosystem becomes more diverse

• The urchin population increases and the ecosystem collapses

• The ecosystem remains unchanged

• The kelp population increases

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What is the effect of invasive species like buffelgrass in the Sonoran Desert?

• They increase biodiversity

• They take over the ecosystem

• They help native species thrive

• They have no effect

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