Foundation Species and Their Impact on Ecosystems

The video tutorial discusses three types of species that significantly impact ecosystems: foundation species, keystone species, and invasive species. Foundation species, like kelp and coral, create environments that support diverse communities. Keystone species, such as sea stars and sharks, have a large effect on community structure despite their biomass. Removing them can lead to drastic changes in the ecosystem. Invasive species, like kudzu and Asian carp, are introduced to non-native areas and often outcompete local species, leading to ecological imbalance.

What role do foundation species play in an ecosystem?

• They are invasive species that outcompete native species.

• They create and define communities by modifying the environment.

• They are species with a large effect relative to their biomass.

• They are top predators that control prey populations.

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

• Sea star

• Shark

• Kelp

• Python

How do keystone species differ from foundation species?

• Keystone species are the most abundant species in an ecosystem.

• Keystone species are always herbivores.

• Keystone species are always invasive.

• Keystone species have a large effect relative to their biomass.

What happened when sea stars were removed from their environment in the northwestern U.S.?

• The population of mussels exploded, reducing diversity.

• The diversity of species increased.

• The population of sharks increased.

• The population of mussels decreased.

What is the role of sharks as a keystone species?

• They are invasive species that disrupt ecosystems.

• They control the population of rays, which affects bivalves and arthropods.

• They form the foundation of coral reefs.

• They are primary producers in the ocean.

What is a common characteristic of invasive species?

• They are always beneficial to the ecosystem.

• They have natural predators in their new environment.

• They outcompete and out-reproduce native species.

• They reproduce slowly and have little impact.

Which plant is an example of an invasive species in the southern United States?

• Kelp

• Sea star

• Kudzu

• Coral

What impact have Asian carp had on U.S. waterways?

• They have increased the diversity of native species.

• They have become a primary food source for native predators.

• They have reduced the biomass of native species to near extinction.

• They have no significant impact on the ecosystem.

Which invasive species has become a problem in the Everglades?

• Kudzu

• Asian carp

• Pythons

• Rabbits

What problem did rabbits cause when introduced to Australia?

• They had no impact on the ecosystem.

• They helped control invasive plant species.

• They competed with kangaroos, causing ecological issues.

• They became a keystone species.