Keystone Species

A species that plays a critical role in the health, maintenance, growth, or definition of an ecosystem.

• keystone

• invasive

• engineer

• predator

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Two or more species that engage in mutually beneficial interactions.

• mutualists

• engineers

• invasives

• predators

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A species that does not belong in a balanced ecosystem, comes in, and changes it (usually for the worse).

• flagnship

• umbrella

• invasive

• predator

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A species whose behavior contributes to the physical geography of their habitat, making or modifying habitat.

• engineer

• predator

• keystone

• umbrella

A species whose consumption of plants helps control the physical and biological aspects of an ecosystem.

• predator

• keystone

• herbivore

• flagship

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is most abundant in an ecosystem.

• A species that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

• A species that has no predators in its ecosystem.

• A species that can live in a variety of ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

In a food chain, what is the primary source of energy?

• Carnivores

• Herbivores

• Decomposers

• The Sun

How can the removal of a keystone species affect an ecosystem?

• It can increase biodiversity.

• It can lead to a more stable ecosystem.

• It can cause a trophic cascade and disrupt the ecosystem balance.

• It has no significant effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5