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Skill D Keystone Species

Total questions: 7

Worksheet time: 4mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
What is a keystone species?
a)
a species whose removal would cause drastic changes.
b)
A organism that has a relatively short lifespan.
c)
An organism with a long life span.
d)
A species at the uppermost level of an ecosystems food chain
2.
In a tide pool, 15 species of invertebrates were reduced to eight after one species was removed. The species removed was likely a(n)
a)
keystone species
b)
pathogen
c)
herbivore
d)
resource partitioner
3.
Elephants are not the most dominant species in African grasslands, yet they influence community structure. The grasslands contain scattered woody plants, but they are kept in check by the uprooting activities of the elephants. Take away the elephants, and the grasslands convert to forests or to shrublands. The newly growing forests support fewer species than the previous grasslands. Which of the following describes why elephants are the keystone species in this scenario?
a)
Grazing animals depend upon the elephants to convert forests to grassland
b)
Elephants prevent drought in African grasslands
c)
Elephants help other populations survive by keeping out many of the large African predators
d)
Elephants are the biggest herbivore in this community
4.

What is a keystone species?

a)

A species that is most abundant in an ecosystem.

b)

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

c)

A species that has no predators in its ecosystem.

d)

A species that can live in a variety of ecosystems.

5.

Which of the following is an example of a keystone species?

a)

Cattle

b)

Sea otter

c)

Grass

d)

Mosquito

6.

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

a)

It can increase biodiversity.

b)

It can lead to a more stable ecosystem.

c)

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

d)

It has no significant effect.

7.

Why are keystone species important for biodiversity?

a)

They are the most numerous species in their ecosystems.

b)

They provide food for all other species.

c)

They help to maintain the structure and integrity of the ecosystem.

d)

They have no predators, ensuring their survival.