Keystone Preparation

Based on the graph shown, how can you tell sea otters are a keystone species?

• as the sea otter population decreases, biodiversity increases

• as sea otter population increases, biodiversity increases

• changes in the sea otter population have little effect on biodiversity 

• the sea otter population dereases due to the presence of urchins

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What is the role of a keystone species in an ecosystem?

• They are the most abundant species in the ecosystem.

• They have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance.

• They are the largest predators in the ecosystem.

• They are the primary producers in the ecosystem.

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

• Grass in a savanna

• Wolves in Yellowstone National Park

• Rabbits in a meadow

• Fish in a pond

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

• It has little to no effect on the ecosystem.

• It can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem structure and biodiversity.

• It causes the ecosystem to become more stable.

• It only affects the population of the keystone species.

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In a marine ecosystem, which organism is often considered a keystone species?

• Sea otters

• Clownfish

• Sea turtles

• Dolphins

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What is a characteristic feature of keystone species?

• They are always at the top of the food chain.

• They can be any organism that plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem.

• They are always herbivores.

• They are always carnivores.

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Which of the following best describes the concept of a keystone species?

• A species that is the most numerous in an ecosystem.

• A species that has a large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

• A species that is the largest in size in an ecosystem.

• A species that is the fastest in an ecosystem.

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What happens to the biodiversity of an ecosystem if a keystone species is removed?

• Biodiversity increases.

• Biodiversity decreases.

• Biodiversity remains unchanged.

• Biodiversity fluctuates randomly.

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Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of removing a keystone species from an ecosystem?

• Increased biodiversity

• Decreased biodiversity

• Altered ecosystem structure

• Loss of other species

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Why are keystone species important for maintaining ecological balance?

• They are the most numerous species in an ecosystem.

• They help control the populations of other species, maintaining balance.

• They are the largest species in an ecosystem.

• They are the fastest species in an ecosystem.

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