Foundation Species

usually modify the environment so that it can support the other organisms that form the community.

• Pioneer Species

• Foundation Species

• Invasive Species

• Keystone Species

A keystone species that creates or maintains habitat for other species.

• Foundation Species

• Pioneer Species

• Indicator Species

• Exotic Species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

How do lichens contribute to primary succession?

• Lichens decompose organic matter from animals and plants

• Lichens begin to break down rock to form soil

• Lichens are nitrogen fixing bacteria

• Lichens convert carbohydrates into fossil fuels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following species is known to create or modify habitats, thus supporting other species in the ecosystem?

• Pioneer Species

• Foundation Species

• Invasive Species

• Keystone Species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

What role do foundation species play in an ecosystem?

• They are the first to colonize barren environments

• They provide essential resources and habitat for other species

• They are predators that control prey populations

• They are species that indicate the health of the ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

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

• Coral

• Shark

• Sea Turtle

• Jellyfish

How do foundation species differ from keystone species?

• Foundation species are always plants, while keystone species are always animals

• Foundation species modify the environment, while keystone species have a large impact on the ecosystem's structure

• Foundation species are rare, while keystone species are abundant

• Foundation species are invasive, while keystone species are native

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is a characteristic of foundation species?

• They are always the largest species in the ecosystem

• They have a disproportionate effect on their environment relative to their abundance

• They are the most abundant species in the ecosystem

• They are always herbivores

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

• Oak Trees

• Wolves

• Deer

• Mushrooms

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

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

• To provide food for predators

• To create and maintain habitats for other species

• To decompose organic matter

• To pollinate plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5