Keystone Species

What is a keystone species?

• A species that dominates all others in an ecosystem

• A species that has no impact on other species

• A species that influences the survival of many other species in an ecosystem

• A species that exists only in specific climates

What is an example of a keystone species?

• African elephant

• Oak tree

• Goldfish

• Dandelion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What role does a keystone species play in an ecosystem?

• Dominates the ecosystem

• Has no impact on other species

• Influences the survival of many other species

• Exists only in specific climates

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

Which of the following is a characteristic of a keystone species?

• It is always a predator

• It has a disproportionate effect on its environment

• It is the most abundant species

• It is always a plant

Why are keystone species important for biodiversity?

• They increase the number of species

• They maintain the structure of an ecosystem

• They decrease competition

• They are the largest species

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

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

• African elephant

• Oak tree

• Goldfish

• Dandelion

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

• It has no effect

• It can lead to ecosystem collapse

• It increases biodiversity

• It only affects the keystone species

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

What is a common trait of keystone species in marine environments?

• They are always fish

• They control the population of other species

• They are the largest marine animals

• They are always coral

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Which of the following is NOT a keystone species?

• Sea otter

• Kelp

• Lion

• Grass

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

In what way do keystone species contribute to ecological balance?

• By being the most numerous

• By controlling population sizes

• By being the largest predators

• By being the most colorful

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-6