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A keystone species is essential in an ecosystem because:
- a)It is the most abundant species.
- b)It has the largest geographical range.
- c)Its loss can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.
- d)It is the top predator.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
A keystone species is essential in an ecosystem because:a)It is the mo...
Keystone species play a crucial role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community, affecting many other organisms.
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A keystone species is essential in an ecosystem because:a)It is the mo...
Understanding Keystone Species
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of an ecosystem. Their presence or absence can have significant impacts on the environment and the organisms that inhabit it.
Significance of Option C
- The correct answer is C: Its loss can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.
- Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.
Examples of Keystone Species
- Predators: Some top predators control the population of herbivores, preventing overgrazing and allowing diverse plant species to thrive. For instance, the sea otter is a keystone species that helps maintain kelp forest ecosystems by preying on sea urchins.
- Ecosystem Engineers: Species like beavers alter their environment by creating wetlands, which benefit various organisms. Their absence can lead to habitat loss for many aquatic and terrestrial species.
Impact of Loss
- When a keystone species is removed, it can set off a chain reaction:
- Population Imbalance: Herbivore populations may explode without predators, leading to overconsumption of vegetation.
- Biodiversity Decline: The loss of plant species affects other organisms that depend on them for food and habitat.
- Ecosystem Collapse: Ultimately, this can lead to a collapse of the ecosystem, affecting all species within it.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of keystone species is vital for conservation efforts. Protecting these species helps maintain ecological balance, ensuring the survival of diverse ecosystems.
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of an ecosystem. Their presence or absence can have significant impacts on the environment and the organisms that inhabit it.
Significance of Option C
- The correct answer is C: Its loss can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.
- Keystone species have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance.
Examples of Keystone Species
- Predators: Some top predators control the population of herbivores, preventing overgrazing and allowing diverse plant species to thrive. For instance, the sea otter is a keystone species that helps maintain kelp forest ecosystems by preying on sea urchins.
- Ecosystem Engineers: Species like beavers alter their environment by creating wetlands, which benefit various organisms. Their absence can lead to habitat loss for many aquatic and terrestrial species.
Impact of Loss
- When a keystone species is removed, it can set off a chain reaction:
- Population Imbalance: Herbivore populations may explode without predators, leading to overconsumption of vegetation.
- Biodiversity Decline: The loss of plant species affects other organisms that depend on them for food and habitat.
- Ecosystem Collapse: Ultimately, this can lead to a collapse of the ecosystem, affecting all species within it.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of keystone species is vital for conservation efforts. Protecting these species helps maintain ecological balance, ensuring the survival of diverse ecosystems.
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A keystone species is essential in an ecosystem because:a)It is the most abundant species.b)It has the largest geographical range.c)Its loss can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.d)It is the top predator.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about A keystone species is essential in an ecosystem because:a)It is the most abundant species.b)It has the largest geographical range.c)Its loss can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.d)It is the top predator.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for A keystone species is essential in an ecosystem because:a)It is the most abundant species.b)It has the largest geographical range.c)Its loss can lead to significant changes in the ecosystem.d)It is the top predator.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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