Keystone Species

View the image. Which fossils are index fossils? Please use the fossil key to help identify fossils.

• Crinoid

• Ammonite

• Coral

• Fern

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is a keystone species?

• A species that is the most abundant in an ecosystem

• A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance

• A species that is at the top of the food chain

• A species that is the primary producer in an ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which of the following is an example of a keystone species in a marine ecosystem?

• Shark

• Sea otter

• Jellyfish

• Coral

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How do keystone species affect biodiversity in an ecosystem?

• They decrease biodiversity by outcompeting other species

• They increase biodiversity by maintaining the structure of an ecosystem

• They have no effect on biodiversity

• They only affect the biodiversity of plant species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

In a forest ecosystem, which of the following could be considered a keystone species?

• Deer

• Wolf

• Oak tree

• Squirrel

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What role do keystone species play in ecological balance?

• They prevent any changes in the ecosystem

• They help maintain the structure and health of an ecosystem

• They are responsible for the extinction of other species

• They only affect the population of herbivores

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a keystone species?

• High abundance in the ecosystem

• Significant impact on ecosystem structure

• Influence on the diversity of other species

• Critical role in maintaining ecological balance

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Why are keystone species important for conservation efforts?

• They are the most endangered species

• They help in maintaining the ecological balance and biodiversity

• They are the largest species in an ecosystem

• They are the most colorful species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What might happen to an ecosystem if a keystone species is removed?

• The ecosystem will remain unchanged

• The ecosystem may collapse or undergo significant changes

• New species will immediately replace the keystone species

• The ecosystem will become more biodiverse

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is a keystone species in the African savanna?

• Elephant

• Giraffe

• Zebra

• Lion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2