Keystone Species in Ecosystems

The video discusses keystone species, which are crucial for ecosystem balance. Examples include wolves, sea stars, African elephants, sharks, and sea urchins. Each plays a unique role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Removing these species can lead to significant ecological changes.

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is the fastest in an ecosystem

• A species that is the largest in an ecosystem

• A species on which other species largely depend

• A species that is the most abundant in an ecosystem

What is the consequence of removing a keystone species from an ecosystem?

• The ecosystem will become more stable

• The ecosystem will remain unchanged

• The ecosystem will experience a loss of biodiversity

• The ecosystem will become more diverse

What is the primary function of keystone species in an ecosystem?

• To be the fastest species

• To maintain the structure and balance of the ecosystem

• To be the largest species

• To be the most numerous species

What is a common characteristic of keystone species?

• They are always the largest animals

• They have a disproportionate effect on their environment

• They have no natural predators

• They are always herbivores

How do wolves contribute to a healthy ecosystem?

• By regulating prey populations

• By being the largest predators

• By reducing plant diversity

• By increasing the number of prey species

What happens if sea stars are removed from their environment?

• The marine environment will remain unchanged

• The marine environment will become more diverse

• Their prey will increase in number

• Their prey will decrease in number

In what way do African elephants modify their habitat?

• By creating water holes

• By building nests

• By hunting other animals

• By planting trees

How do elephants help other animals during the dry season?

• By leading them to food

• By protecting them from predators

• By providing shade

• By creating water holes

What role do sharks play in marine ecosystems?

• They are the primary producers

• They are the largest fish

• They maintain balance by controlling predatory species

• They are the fastest swimmers

Why are sea urchins important in kelp forests?

• They help in pollination

• They provide food for marine animals

• They prevent overpopulation of sea stars

• They maintain the balance by preventing overpopulation of sea urchins